Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson is slowly making a name for himself in Chelsea just like Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba did
Chelsea striker, Nicolas Jackson, is proving his worth with a notable improvement in his goal-scoring record, silencing earlier criticisms.
The 22-year-old from Senegal faced initial skepticism due to a higher count of yellow cards than goals, but a quick-thinking flick against Newcastle secured his ninth goal of the season. Impressively, Chelsea remains unbeaten whenever Jackson finds the net, showcasing his impact on the team.
Living up to the No.15 jersey
Upon his arrival from Villarreal, Jackson had the opportunity to take the iconic No 9 shirt at Chelsea but opted for the unorthodox No 15, the same number worn by Didier Drogba in his early days at the club. Comparisons to Drogba were inevitable, given the shared jersey number.
Drogba scored 10 Premier League goals in his first season with Chelsea, and Jackson, with nine goals from 24 appearances, is on a similar trajectory.
Handling Pressure and Learning
Leading the line for Chelsea is no easy task, as numerous strikers have struggled in the past. Jackson's admirable trait lies in his ability to acknowledge mistakes and maintain composure.
Despite facing criticism and social media scrutiny, he responded with crucial goals, showcasing resilience and a goal-scoring instinct. Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino acknowledges that Jackson will continue to learn and improve with time.
Making an Impact
Jackson's contributions go beyond goal-scoring, as demonstrated by his flicked header that set up Raheem Sterling for a scoring opportunity.
While he acknowledges the big boots he needs to fill in Drogba's legacy, Jackson is showcasing promise in his first campaign with Chelsea. At 22, leading the line for a club undergoing significant changes, he is proving himself as a valuable asset.