There’s been a lot said about Nicolas Jackson during a turbulent first season at Chelsea so far.
Nicolas Jackson, who cost Chelsea £32 million (Daily Mail) to sign from Villarreal last summer, has had to shoulder a lot of responsibility already at Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old forward has received criticism at times for some high-profile misses in front of goal, but he deserves huge credit for sticking at it and improving as the campaign progresses.
We think Blues defender Levi Colwill, 21, may have been spot on with comments about his teammate earlier in the season.
Colwill confidently predicted back in September that Chelsea teammate Jackson would eventually turn into a prolific scorer.
He said via The Evening Standard: “When it all clicks, how many goals will he score for us? I know it will be a lot. I am so happy for him. Hopefully he can take it on.”
We’re not yet at the stage where we can call Jackson a prolific striker, but it’s fair to say that Colwill’s prediction is already starting to become true.
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Jackson’s now up to 12 goals in 32 appearances for Chelsea, with three goals in his last four matches before the international break.
Chelsea teammates seem to love Nicolas Jackson
In fairness, Colwill’s not the only Blues star to speak so glowingly about Jackson this season.
From the outside looking in, we can see why everyone would really enjoy playing alongside the energetic and hard-working frontman.
Speaking via London World last week, Trevoh Chalobah called Jackson a “very good player” that brings a great dimension to the XI.
Meanwhile, talking to Stadium Astro back in November, Raheem Sterling insisted everyone in Chelsea’s squad knows how good Jackson actually is.
Our feeling is he’s growing into a fan favourite around Stamford Bridge, too.
Jackson is on the up
On top of more goals, the eye test will tell you that Jackson’s growing in stature and influence at Chelsea.
We think people easily forget he’s still only aged 22, so this is turning into quite a decent first season in English football.
WhoScored data records that Jackson’s missed 15 big chances in the current Premier League campaign. He’s got so much in his game to become an elite-level striker once his finishing improves, something we’re starting to see a lot more.