Theo Walcott tells Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson the ‘one thing’ he must get better at

Nicolas Jackson is still yet to win everybody over after two seasons as Chelsea’s first-choice striker.

Despite being aged 23, Nicolas Jackson has carried the burden at Chelsea of being the senior centre-forward.

While the Senegal international clearly possesses a superb all-round game, he doesn’t yet fit the mould of a natural finisher to lead the line.

Joe Cole rates Nicolas Jackson as one of the Blues’ most important players because of the complete package he brings. Even when he’s not scoring, he does link up play fantastically well, especially with Cole Palmer.

However, Chelsea want a ‘major acquisition’ in the striker position when the summer transfer window comes around because it’s obvious Jackson needs a bit more help at the top end of the pitch.

Theo Walcott tells Nicolas Jackson to become a better poacher

In general, former Premier League star Theo Walcott is a huge admirer of Chelsea frontman Jackson.

However, his message to the Blues striker is he must get better at scoring simple goals inside the penalty box to get his numbers up.

Walcott said via the Premier League’s YouTube channel: “He (Jackson) always has so many chances. He always creates space for other players as well. He brings out the best of Cole Palmer; I think that’s quite clear to see… Yes, he could get his numbers even higher. But I’d be asking questions of him if you were not even in the positions.

“The modern-day strikers like to get involved more in the game. Nicolas Jackson, he can hold the ball up quite well, but he’s not afraid of going a long period of time without touching the ball because he still makes runs and keeps you occupied… If there’s one thing to improve for Nicolas Jackson, it would be those tap-ins.”

Chelsea supporters clapped off Nicolas Jackson after his goalless performance in last Sunday’s Premier League win against Liverpool. He’s a very likeable player despite lacking end product at times.

If the Blues had a prolific scorer at the club, we’d expect Jackson to work effectively with less pressure on him as an alternative option.

Big chances missed in the Premier League

Jackson’s scored 10 league goals so far this season in 29 games, but he must feel a little short-changed with that return.

Like some of the other top forwards in the division, the Chelsea attacker has spurned some major opportunities in front of goal.

Jackson isn’t the type of striker that fills the fans with confidence when he’s in a goalscoring position. In fact, he’s usually a lot better when chances are instinctive and come quickly at him.

At the age of 23, we’re still confident that he can enjoy a long and successful career at Chelsea as he continues to improve.