- Jackson’s “masterclass” shows the Chelsea striker’s trajectory.
Nicolas Jackson’s two-year contract extension until 2033 from Chelsea eight days ago may have come as a surprise to some.
With 14 goals in 35 Premier League games, his contribution in his first season at Stamford Bridge following his £32m move from Villarreal in June 2023 has been respectable rather than spectacular.
However, the 23-year-old striker showed that the club does not have much confidence in him after Chelsea beat West Ham at the London Stadium.
The nine-year contract may be an indication of Stamford Bridge’s confidence in his ability to guide the squad for years to come.
With the start of the 2024-25 season, there is something intriguing about Jackson.
Jackson’s masterclass shows the Chelsea
When asked about Jackson’s performance against the Hammers by BBC Match of the Day, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca wasted no time in bringing up an important point.
He stated, “We are very, very satisfied with Nicolas.”
“He is very good on the ball, and he has worked hard since I arrived. We are very happy.”
Although the Senegal international’s season is still young, the statistics mentioned by Maresca are clearly better than the previous year.
Jackson’s xG (expected goals) average so far is 0.81 versus 0.60, and he’s averaging 0.98 goals per game this season compared to 0.45 in 2023-2024.
Additionally, in five games during the 2024-25 season, he attempted 2.0 shots compared to 1.3 shots the previous year for the Blues..
When it comes to big chances created (1.0 vs 0.4) and missed (0.5 vs 0.8), Jackson’s stats seem to indicate a more clinical edge to his game.
“Nicolas Jackson underperformed in his xG by about six goals last season,” said Dave, a Statman football analyst.
“He could be good; he’s been on top this year.”
Does the pattern remind us of Drogba’s pattern?
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has four goals in five Premier League appearances this season
In his previous 29 Premier League games for Chelsea, Jackson has contributed to 23 goals (16 goals, 7 assists), with 11 of those goals coming in his last 10 games (eight goals, 3 assists).
He claimed that his teammates “had faith” in him and his confidence “went higher” with them after the win.
Jackson and Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer have scored 10 Premier League goals since the 2023-24 season began.
At least two more than any other duo in England’s top flight.
Jackson is a superior player. Palmer stated to TNT Sports, “We know his capabilities; Chelsea players and fans really appreciate it.
Early indications of a strong relationship between Jackson and new signing Jadon Sancho.
Who combined well to score the game’s opening goal against the Hammers were equally encouraging for Chelsea fans.
Jackson, however, provided a “masterclass in generating space,” according to former Chelsea striker Demba Ba, who saw his second goal.
“He goes in there and takes defenders out of position in the best way,” continued compatriot Ba. “Even more satisfying than the actual end result.”
Jackson was still “learning his craft” as a “young man and a young player,” according to former Chelsea and West Ham midfielder Joe Cole.
Who likened his early years at Stamford Bridge to those of one of the Premier League’s legendary teams.
“Dier Drogba’s first two seasons, when he was not as successful as the next, are often talked about.
Cole told TNT Sports, “But he [Jackson] has been scoring goals and he’s going to get better.”
“He has to continue to get better, calm down and gain confidence. He will now be up for the next game.”
