Nicolas Jackson makes Chelsea admission following debut season struggles

Cameron Smith

• 30 Apr 2024 18:30 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has stated “the goals will come” after a disappointing first campaign in front of goal.

The Senegal international joined Chelsea for €37 million from Villarreal last summer and he has notched 13 goals in all competitions during his debut season at Stamford Bridge.

However, Jackson has missed 21 big chances in the Premier League this season, the third-most of any player behind Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez, while only Dominic Calvert-Lewin has underperformed his xG by a larger amount than the Chelsea man.

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His all-round game has impressed Arsenal legend Ian Wright, however, who recently admitted: “I’m seeing Nicolas Jackson, by the way… I’ve got to mention him.

“I watched him fully again [during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa] and I have watched him in the last three or four games and the chances that he has missed always take precedent when people are talking about him, but I am seeing that guy’s pace, his link, his touch.

“Something is happening there. If he gets that goalscoring right there is something in there, I’m telling you.

“He did some brilliant stuff against Villa. I hope it can happen for him. I have seen flashes and if he has the energy and the personality for it, this guy has got something. I am telling you.”

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What has Nicolas Jackson said?

During an interview with Sky Sports, Jackson vowed to improve his finishing next season.

“I think I should have scored more with the chances I missed,” the Chelsea forward said.

“It’s good, but not what I wanted to be when I came - to play Champions League next season. Everything happens for a reason and we try to fight next year.

“Even if I scored 10 or 15, the most important thing is for the team to be as high as possible and make the fans happy. Then the goals will come,” Jackson continued.

“Trying to improve every day. The most important [thing] is being available for the team, helping the team and playing. I miss a lot but I’m trying to create more chances and score more. Hopefully next year it’s going to be better.”