Last summer, Chelsea briefly considered a swap deal involving Nicolas Jackson and Newcastle's Alexander Isak. The idea was intriguing, but the conversation quickly fizzled out. Chelsea had high regard for Isak, who they saw as a top striker to bolster Enzo Maresca's squad. However, Newcastle's concerns about profitability and sustainability regulations meant they were not willing to sell Isak cheaply. The only feasible solution was to include players in the deal, a tactic commonly used by Premier League clubs. The talks never materialized, and perhaps it was for the best, given Jackson's current form ahead of Newcastle's visit on Sunday.
Jackson, the Senegal international, scored his fifth goal of the season in last weekend's loss to Liverpool. This performance has silenced critics who believed Maresca's squad lacked a world-class No 9, aside from a reliable goalkeeper. Pundits question how Chelsea, despite spending heavily, could overlook the need for a lethal finisher. The co-sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, have faced scrutiny for their oversight. The owners, too, have been criticized for not securing Victor Osimhen from Napoli.
Ironically, Chelsea's gamble on Jackson in the summer of 2023 is paying off. Despite overspending on some signings, Jackson, who joined from Villarreal for £31.8m, is proving to be a bargain. His debut season in England was marred by derision, but under Maresca's guidance, he is clearly improving. While Isak is a more polished and versatile finisher, Jackson can appear rushed and erratic. His missed chances in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City last season were heavily criticized.
Jackson's one-match ban for dissent at the start of last season further highlighted his inexperience. Mauricio Pochettino, Maresca's predecessor, could only despair. Internally, however, patience prevailed. Jackson's pre-season partnership with Christopher Nkunku was promising, but Nkunku's serious knee injury disrupted their chemistry. Chelsea, known for their tough treatment of forwards, recognized the undue pressure on Jackson.
Jackson has risen to the challenge, defying expectations. His speed, strength, and unselfish play make him a formidable opponent. His hold-up play is underrated, and his understanding with Cole Palmer is encouraging. Jackson scored 14 league goals and provided five assists last season, though some performances were marred by baffling misses. Chelsea struggled in his absence, as he creates space for teammates and causes chaos. The argument that Jackson would benefit from being an understudy to a more expensive striker overlooks the potential damage to his confidence and development.
Jackson's clear pathway to success is evident. Only Palmer, Haaland, Salah, and Saka have more goal contributions than Jackson's eight this season. His statistics and performances are improving. His goal against Liverpool showcased his growth, with a well-executed run and a clinical finish. Similar moments against West Ham and Wolves highlight his progress. Jackson's selfless play in Palmer's four-goal haul against Brighton further underscores his value.
The challenge now is to maintain this form. Chelsea's top-four hopes hinge on Jackson's goalscoring rate. They remain reliant on him, as evidenced by their draw with Nottingham Forest. Marc Guiu is raw, Nkunku is better off playing off a focal point, and creative talents like Félix, Mudryk, and Neto need to contribute more. Jackson, however, is outperforming Isak and doing his best to make Chelsea forget about missing out on Osimhen.
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