Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is still incredibly raw and may not be ready to lead the line for them yet.
That is according to talkSPORT pundit Scott Minto.
Nicolas Jackson, 22, is currently occupying the role as the first-choice striker at Stamford Bridge.
He’s scored nine goals in 28 games so far during his debut season as a Blues player, but the general criticism around him is for his inconsistent finishing.
We really like a lot of his all-round game on and off the ball. Speaking via Sky Sports’ Main Event channel (4:52pm, 25 February), pundit Gary Neville said Jackson was causing Liverpool’s centre-backs a lot of problems in the League Cup final.
Is he good enough to be recognised as the club’s premium No 9, though?
Scott Minto has fired criticism at Jackson following Sunday’s loss in the Carabao Cup final.
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“It’s all about goalscorers. It’s all about putting the ball in the back of the net. Nicolas Jackson felt worked hard [against Liverpool]. But he’s probably about two years behind being a Chelsea striker,” Minto told talkSPORT (8:13am, 26 February).
Nicolas Jackson not ready for Chelsea
We’d have to disagree with the notion that Jackson isn’t ready for us yet.
We understand the logic that Jackson’s not peaked and is far from the finished article. But let’s remember he’s still only 22 and showing a lot of quality already on a regular basis.
We support any plans to go out and sign a high-profile striker in the next transfer window. However, Jackson’s good enough to compete for and play in the forward role. He’ll only get better, too!
Jackson’s got time to push towards a 15-goal season during his first attempt at the Bridge. We’d consider him a Chelsea attacker for the now and future if he achieves that.
The £32m striker (The Guardian) could yet make a lot of people eat a slice of humble pie.
