ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 26: Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea celebrates with team mate Reece James after ... [+]
Not for a long time have Chelsea had a centre forward with the ability to get in behind. The Chelsea number nine shirt has come with a curse in recent times such is the number of strikers who have passed through Stamford Bridge without making a positive impression. Nicolas Jackson, however, has caught the eye in pre-season.
The 22-year-old arrived at Chelsea earlier this summer in a €35m transfer from Villarreal, but most expected he would be a development player for Mauricio Pochettino to mould over the coming years. That might still prove to be the case, but Jackson’s pre-season performances have provided food for thought.
Jackson found the back of the net in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle United, lingering on the shoulder of the last defender to get clean through on goal after a through ball from central midfield. This is the sort of movement Chelsea have been lacking in the final third for the last two seasons at least. This gives them a different dimension up front.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 26: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Chelsea, speaks to the media after the ... [+]
“He is showing his quality, his talent,” said Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino when asked about Jackson and the start he’s made at the club. “I think he is good in front of goal, he is very relaxed when given chances and he has shown that in these games. So happy, because a striker needs to score for confidence and trust.”
Pochettino has given Jackson an opportunity to prove himself in pre-season, but was also quick to highlight the improvements the 22-year-old must make to his game. “He needs to adapt to the Premier
CHAPEL HILL, NC - JULY 19: Nicolas Jackson #43 of Chelsea FC chases down a loose ball during a ... [+]
“They are things that make the Premier League one of the best, but one of the most competitive and excellent in terms of physicality and conditioning. He still needs to improve in his physical condition, it is only the beginning of pre-season and he arrived late, he didn’t start with us in the beginning.”
Nonetheless, the early signs have been encouraging. Chelsea are at the start of a rebuild under Pochettino as their new manager and Jackson could be an important part of the Blues’ new-look team. Pochettino is often most effective when working with talented young players. Jackson could be the ideal striker to learn from the Chelsea manager.