Gianfranco Zola explains why Nicolas Jackson has improved so much at Chelsea this season

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Nicolas Jackson has been one of the success stories at Chelsea during this campaign.

Last season, Nicolas Jackson was often criticised for his finishing. The striker finished with 17 goals in all competitions but perhaps could have registered more had he been more clinical.

Fast forward to now, though, and Jackson has looked a bit sharper in front of goal. His lovely brace in Chelsea‘s 3-0 win against West Ham United in September is a perfect example.

Jackson wasn’t at his best against Manchester United, but he can be satisfied with his overall contribution so far this season.

• READ MORE: Chelsea have just won Goal of the Month in the Premier League for October

Gianfranco Zola credits Chelsea team for Nicolas Jackson improvement

Gianfranco Zola has been discussing Jackson’s improvement in a blue shirt. For him, Chelsea as a whole have got better.

As a result, the Italian believes that and Enzo Maresca‘s work have really helped the 23-year-old’s game.

Speaking on talkSPORT (05/11/2024 at 09:10), the Chelsea legend said: “I think he is getting better, but I think this is a consequence of the team getting better. Now the ball gets there more regularly, they get there in a pattern, in my opinion, because, you know, the team will zap consistently action after action.

“And I think what he is enjoying right now, you know, is many times he gets good balls into the space where he can give his best. I think the best of Jackson comes when he is attacking the space. And this team builds from the back, and many times you can find him.

“Last year strangely, his finishing was not as good as everyone was thinking of, but this year it is getting better. Again, this obviously is down to his work, but also a lot about Maresca’s work.”

Nicolas Jackson could get more recognition after Sunday

After facing Manchester United over the weekend, Chelsea have another big game this Sunday when they take on Arsenal.

Arsenal are one of the best overall teams in the Premier League, but they are also one of the best teams defensively, conceding 11 goals so far.

A goal against Mikel Arteta’s side, then, could see Jackson gain even more recognition. The Senegal international has already scored against Liverpool, though it was not enough to prevent Maresca’s men from losing.

Ultimately, Jackson has shown this season that he can find the back of the net, while his all-round centre-forward play has always been good.

“I think he is the full package,” Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler said about Jackson in September.

Now it is about proving that he can do it in the big games consistently. That is how Jackson can win over any doubters that he still has. It is why Arsenal could be such a huge game for the former Villarreal man.