Nicolas Jackson enjoyed a strong Premier League debut for Chelsea on Sunday as he helped the Blues record a 1-1 draw against Liverpool.
The Senegal international – who was signed in a £32m deal from Villarreal back in June – looked as if he’d been playing at Stamford Bridge for years as he put his name up in lights with a sharp performance, in which he managed to achieve something nobody else in the Premier League did this weekend.
So, what did Nicolas Jackson do on his Premier League debut for Chelsea? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the Chelsea No.15 made 21 runs into the box without the ball against Jürgen Klopp’s side – according to OptaJoe, who describe him as “exciting” – showcasing his desire to get on the end of deliveries.
The next closest player in the Premier League to that tally only made 12 runs into the opposition box, so Jackson is well out on his own in that department.
Now, some might question the importance of this statistic given the fact the 22-year-old failed to score against Liverpool.
However – in our view at least – this data proves that Jackson is not a sluggish striker who is happy to sit and wait for things to happen, not in the slightest.
The Gambia-born striker is clearly keen to be involved in the goalmouth, although OptaJoe’s readings also showcase something else.
As you can see in the graphic posted on Twitter, some of Jackson’s entries into the box start and end in a range of areas, which proves that he feels comfortable moving into a number of different positions, rather than staying rigidly in the No.9 role.
Nicolas Jackson looks set to become a Chelsea favourite
If Sunday’s showing against Liverpool is anything to go by, Jackson looks set to become adored at Chelsea.
Supporters love those who give 100% on a weekly basis, and despite the Chelsea new boy failing to score, he was heavily involved in everything that went well for the Blues, with his hold-up play in particular catching the eye.
Once Jackson begins to find the net on a regular basis – which we thoroughly expect him to do – we believe Chelsea fans will start to worship him.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
