Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has made a pretty scathing claim about Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who he believes is "not good enough" currently.
Nicolas Jackson has not hit the heights he perhaps could've over the last few seasons at Chelsea. So far this season, Jackson has scored nine goals and provided three assists in the league. Last season, his tally was totalled to 14 goals and five assists.
While Jackson is on track to beat last season's record, he has hit a plateau in recent weeks. Indeed, he has scored just one goal in his last six Premier League games, with many critiquing his lack of goal-scoring as the reason why Chelsea have struggled to get out of first gear recently.
Chelsea legend takes dig at Nicolas Jackson who is “not good enough”
Speaking on his The Obi One podcast, Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has criticised Nicolas Jackson and dubbed his lack of goal-scoring recently as being "not good enough" for a team who wishes to win the Premier League.
In his own words (quoted by Football365), John Obi Mikel said: "We are not clinical enough, he [Nicolas Jackson] is not scoring enough goals. He puts himself in the right positions but then he’s not finishing, he’s not scoring enough."
"He’s not a striker who’s going to get us to the top four or win us the Premier League title. He’s not that striker. I don’t think he can get us over the line in terms of winning trophies."
"One goal in six is not good enough. You talk about top, top strikers, look at [Alexander] Isak at Newcastle, he’s flying, that’s what we need.’"
Some Chelsea fans won't like to admit this, but John Obi Mikel is right. He comes from the most successful period of Chelsea's history, so he obviously holds the club in high regards. However, a viewpoint like this is needed at Chelsea.
John Obi Mikel also spoke about the importance of Cole Palmer, claiming that the England international is carrying the weight of Chelsea this season. Without Palmer, Chelsea might be in a far worse position, he implied.
Hopefully, Jackson finds his goal-scoring boots. While he shouldn't be a confidence-reliant player at this level, a goal might be what he needs to find his form again. I do agree with Mikel but I do also have the confidence that Jackson can return to form sooner rather than later.