At times during the 2023/24 campaign, Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson came in for a lot of criticism.
Some of it was warranted, as Nicolas Jackson did miss plenty of big chances for the Blues, who were sometimes made to pay as a result.
Even so, his manager at the time, former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, never gave up on him.
Pochettino appreciated the 23-year-old, and it looks like there are clubs in England who do as well. Aston Villa are said to be interested in Jackson, for example.
Mauricio Pochettino promised to give Nicolas Jackson his full support
Villa were one side Jackson failed to score against in the Premier League. Yet despite the chances he missed in certain games, he continued to have Pochettino’s backing.
Speaking to BBC Sport and other outlets after Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final, Pochettino said: “He is the only striker we have fit. [Christopher] Nkunku is out and then [Armando] Broja moved to Fulham to play more. [Jackson] is doing fantastic — an amazing job for team — running, scoring goals and giving assists.
“If you compare to players like Didier Drogba they’re always going to lose. We split the history of the club with the performance of the team and Jackson. He is going to have all my support.”
To the present, and you are starting to see why Pochettino invested so much into Jackson.
Chelsea struggling without Nicolas Jackson
It is another season where you can scrutinise Jackson’s finishing. With an xG of 12.16, according to WhoScored, the Senegal international really should have more than nine Premier League goals to his name.
With that being said, he is the only recognised centre-forward in Chelsea’s squad with any real sort of experience.
Nkunku’s done a poor job trying to replace Jackson and going forward, the whole team, including Cole Palmer, do not look as dangerous without him.
In the end, Pochettino was right to back Jackson. He needed him. Chelsea did not buy a new striker last January when the Argentine was still at the club and it was the same story last month.
Pochettino knew he had to rely on Jackson and was aware of what he could bring to the side, and Enzo Maresca will feel the same.
Chelsea could sign Liam Delap or another No.9 in the summer, which is needed. But Jackson can still have an important role at the club.
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