5 strengths that Nicolas Jackson can bring to Chelsea's attack

 

 

 

The rumour mill continues to turn and one of the big stories is the potential move for 22-year-old Nicolas Jackson, with Chelsea looking the main interest. We take a look at what the Senegalese forward could offer the West London club if they are to take the plunge.

 

He is a strong finisher  

 

One of Jackson’s statistically calculated strengths is his finishing and of all the players to have 15+ big chances in La Liga last season he had the highest big chance conversion rate with 56.3%. Chelsea are crying out for a finisher after missing a total of 52 big chances in the Premier League last season ranking sixth for total big chances missed. 

 

Kai Havertz was the biggest offender with the German missing 14 big chances in the season and only eight players missing more. Reports suggest that Havertz will be swapping Stamford Bridge for the Emirates leaving a gap in the squad in a role in which a natural finisher would be greatly appreciated by Chelsea fans.

 

He’s quick to counter  

 

We’ve identified that another of Nicolas Jackson’s strengths is his ability to counter effectively. Counter attacks are key to his style of play and are another attribute he can bring to strengthen Chelsea. In fact, Chelsea scored just the one goal on the counter attack in the Premier League last season with no team scoring fewer.

 

He can provide Chelsea the goals  

 


 

 

Chelsea only managed to hit the back of the net 38 times in the Premier League last season a total which bettered only four other clubs, all of whom finished below Chelsea. Kai Havertz was the sides top scorer in the Premier League netting seven goals in the season. This is a real problem for Chelsea and the continuation of the number 9 curse goes on for the Blues.

 

Jackson bagged a total of 12 goals for Villarreal in La Liga last season, ranking tenth in the league for goals.

 

He can play provider

 

Jackson’s scoring record particularly in the last eight games, scoring nine goals, of the season is undeniably impressive. However, he also provided a few goals for his teammates, with four assists in his 16 starts for Villarreal.

 

Chelsea’s top assist provider last season was Hakim Ziyech with just three, so a forward who can both score goals and assist them is of interest to Chelsea.

 

He can make an impact from the bench.

 

The Senegalese frontman started 16 games in La Liga for Villarreal last season and made almost as many appearances off the bench (10). He accumulated a total of 1603 minutes of football in the league which makes his scoring record that little bit more impressive which is backed up by the fact that he had the 5th best goals per minute ratio (a goal every 133 minutes) in La Liga in 2023/23 (min. 5 goals scored). 

 

Reports suggest that Chelsea are looking to go in with a bid of around £30m for Jackson, which could prove to be a very shrewd signing, particularly in today’s market.



5 strengths that Nicolas Jackson can bring to Chelsea's attack