Senegal gave it everything they had against France on Tuesday night as Nicolas Jackson caught the eye – and Chelsea fans have discussed whether they want him back under Xabi Alonso.
In one of the most exciting ties of the first round of World Cup games, potential dark horses Senegal took on 2022 finalists France. An intriguing clash and plenty of rivalry between the two French-speaking sides.
What did you think of Nicolas Jackson’s performance against France?🤔
He hit the post and scored an offside goal!
Senegal enjoyed a better first 45 than France, with Nicolas Jackson causing plenty of issues for William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano. Jackson was unlucky when a shot hit Chelsea target Mike Maignan’s post.
But this is a France side with Kylian Mbappe, and Didier Deschamps’ half-time team talk did the trick. The game finished 3-1, with Mbappe netting two and Bradley Barcola also scoring; Jackson left frustrated.
Chelsea fans discuss whether they want Nicolas Jackson back
Keen to see how the returning Jackson did, plenty of Chelsea fans were watching on as the Bayern Munich loanee led the line against one of the best centre-back pairings in the entire tournament.
It is unclear what will happen with Jackson this summer. Bayern were never going to sign him, but his form as Harry Kane’s understudy has not gone unnoticed, scoring 11 goals in just 1320 minutes.
He might not have scored, but Chelsea fans were impressed by Jackson’s display ahead of a possible return to Stamford Bridge under Alonso. Many are excited at the prospect of seeing Jackson at Chelsea.
One fan posted a long-winded analysis of Jackson and summarised that the Senegal striker is the “perfect fit” for Alonso’s system. Another said he “really hopes” Chelsea keep him around if Liam Delap departs.
This is the issue for Jackson: he returns to a Chelsea side that still has Delap, Marc Guiu and new signing Emmanuel Emegha. “Jackson is better than Delap”, was the opinion of another Chelsea supporter.
Another added on social media on Tuesday evening that Jackson is “back to his best”. Plenty of fans gave their take, with a Chelsea loyal saying he’d “seen enough to know he should be at Chelsea next season.”
Wayne Rooney thinks World Cup is an ‘audition’ for Jackson
Jackson was largely underrated during his time at Chelsea. Many saw the missed chances and the offsides but actually did not realise what Jackson did for the press, creating space for Cole Palmer and co. to shine.
Nicolas Jackson can thrive under Xabi Alonso 🔥
He was a threat for Senegal against France!
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s clash between Senegal and France, Wayne Rooney said the World Cup is an audition for Jackson. Whether that be to the onlooking Chelsea boss Alonso, or for interested clubs.
Alex Crook believes Chelsea will look to sell Jackson, and at this moment in time, that is probably the most likely scenario given he will only be playing back-up to Joao Pedro, if he does return to London.
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