For the first time, Nicolas Jackson can proudly say he has more Premier League goals than yellow cards. This achievement comes as a breath of fresh air for Chelsea’s newest striker, who has faced criticism in the past for being more prone to bookings than scoring goals. A recent fast-thinking flick against Newcastle secured Jackson his ninth goal of the season, maintaining Chelsea’s unbeaten record whenever the 22-year-old from Senegal finds the back of the net.
The No. 9 Curse:
Leading the line for Chelsea is no easy task, as numerous strikers have tried and failed in the past. From Romelu Lukaku to Fernando Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Alvaro Morata, all have struggled while wearing the infamous No. 9 shirt, considered cursed at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground. Interestingly, Jackson had the chance to take on this number but declined, opting for a different approach.
Choosing the No. 15 Shirt:
Instead of succumbing to the pressure of the No. 9 legacy, Jackson chose the unorthodox No. 15 shirt, the same number once worn by Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. Comparisons to Drogba were inevitable due to this choice, but Jackson embraced the challenge, acknowledging the big boots he needed to fill.
Emulating Didier Drogba:
Drogba, who scored 10 Premier League goals in his first season, wore the No. 15 shirt when he arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2004. Jackson’s current season stats are impressive, with nine goals in 24 games. While Mauricio Pochettino acknowledges Jackson’s need for time to exude calmness in front of goal, the young striker shows promise and determination.
Learning from Mistakes:
Jackson’s most admirable trait lies in his ability to acknowledge and learn from mistakes. Despite a memorable moment where he tackled himself attempting step-overs against Brentford, he responded by scoring a bullet header and silencing critics. This resilience showcases Jackson’s determination to overcome challenges and improve.
Conclusion:
Against Newcastle, Jackson displayed his goal-scoring prowess with a clever flick, contributing to Chelsea’s 3-2 win. Despite facing criticism, he proves why categorizing him as a disappointment would be premature. As he continues to learn and adapt to the demands of the Premier League, Nicolas Jackson’s journey at Chelsea is one worth following.