Nicolas Jackson is proving his doubters wrong and it's time to believe in him

Nicolas Jackson has been turning heads in the Premier League with his stellar performances this season. Scoring five goals and providing three assists in just eight games, Jackson is proving his worth and quieting the naysayers.

Cool and composed: Jackson's Anfield goal

On Sunday, October 20, Jackson demonstrated his calm demeanour and precise finishing by scoring against Liverpool at Anfield. Former Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge highlighted Jackson's importance to Enzo Maresca's tactical strategy, noting his ability to adapt to a false nine role when necessary. Sturridge believes the media has been too harsh on Jackson, often comparing him unfavourably to Chelsea legends like Drogba, Anelka, and Crespo. Sturridge shared with Sky Sports,

"I think we have been a bit too critical. When you're playing in the spotlight at any top club, you are judged because of the likes of Drogba, Anelka, and Crespo."

Honing skills under Maresca's guidance

Since his transfer from Villarreal last summer, Jackson has been diligently refining his skills under Maresca's mentorship. Despite netting 14 goals in his debut Premier League season, he faced criticism for missed opportunities. However, data analytics firm SciSports now ranks him as the top Premier League striker this season, surpassing even Erling Haaland.

Jackson's SciSkill Development score has significantly improved over the past six months, reflecting notable growth in his overall game. Pundit Leon Osman has observed this progress, stating,

"He's starting to look like a quality striker Nicolas Jackson. His runs have always been good — even if he did get caught offside quite a bit — but now his finishing is improving as well."

Backing Jackson's potential: The way forward for Chelsea

Rather than investing heavily in a high-profile striker, Chelsea should consider placing their faith in Jackson. His impressive start to the season and ongoing development under Maresca indicate a promising future. Sturridge believes that Jackson needs time and that the criticism has been excessive.

Chelsea's strategy of signing young talents and nurturing them over time has faced ridicule following two lacklustre seasons. However, Jackson's progress suggests that this approach can indeed bear fruit. Bringing in a top-tier striker now could potentially hinder Jackson's development and undo the progress he's made recently.

As Chelsea gears up to face Panathinaikos in the UEFA Europa Conference League, Jackson will have another chance to demonstrate his abilities and further silence his critics.