Chelsea are at risk of missing out on a top-five finish, and that is partly because of how inconsistent some of their players have been this season.
The likes of Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Robert Sanchez have all had good games during the campaign.
However, they have also disappointed in some fixtures. For Rangers legend Ally McCoist, Jackson has actually not progressed since last term.
McCoist recently criticised Jackson for not improving his finishing, but the striker still seems to have a fan in Joe Cole.
Joe Cole thinks Chelsea are ‘better’ with Nicolas Jackson
Jackson has only managed to score 10 goals in the Premier League this season and will miss Chelsea‘s final domestic game after picking up a silly red card against Newcastle United.
According to the PGMOL’s chief operating officer Howard Webb, Jackson did deserve to be dismissed at St James’ Park.
Whatever the case, Cole still believes Chelsea are a stronger outfit when Jackson is in the side.
Speaking about the 23-year-old on talkSPORT, the Chelsea legend said: “What I would say is Chelsea are a better team with Nicolas Jackson in it. Whether he becomes Diego Costa or Didier Drogba or anyone like that, he’s still got a way to go. They need to bring someone in to supplement him, to push him.”
With Jackson suspended, Tyrique George could start up front against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. It was the winger who got the nod to lead the line in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United last Friday.
Jason Cundy, though, thinks Cole Palmer should spearhead Chelsea’s attack at the City Ground.
Candidates to replace Nicolas Jackson next season
Whether Chelsea are a better team with Jackson or not, the Senegal international could be replaced by another striker next term.
There are a few names being heavily linked to the Blues at the moment. Chelsea are fans of Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike, for example.
There is also a possibility of Chelsea moving for Benjamin Sesko, especially after RB Leipzig’s failure to qualify for the Champions League or any other form of European football.
For £32m, Jackson has not been a bad investment. But he needs more competition, competition that could eventually replace him in the starting XI.
