Nicolas Jackson: Chelsea Striker Rejects Didier Drogba Comparisons

• Chelsea signed Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal for £32m
• The Senegalese's early days are drawing comparisons to legend Didier Drogba
• Drogba made a name at Chelsea as a potent goalscorer and defenders' nightmare

Nicolas Jackson endured a rough road to fame, and the Chelsea striker is getting big shouts now but is humble enough to reject comparison to a club legend in his early days.

Chelsea have been in the market on a spending spree and have crossed the £1bn mark since the Todd Boehly-led consortium took over the club, splashing the cash on 27 players.

Jackson, signed from Villarreal for £32m as reported by The Guardian, was one of those recruited and has been trusted to lead the line for Mauricio Pochettino's team after impressing in pre-season.

He has struggled to bring his friendly form to the Premier League season, having scored just once in four games and missed seven big chances already as frustration in front of goal builds for the Blues.

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer: Is CR7 leaving Manchester United and which clubs are likely to acquire him?

Football

Jackson rejects Drogba's comparisons

The 22-year-old scored 12 goals for Villarreal last season before he was snapped up by Chelsea, having seen a move to Bournemouth collapse in January over a failed medical.

His early days at the club have shown signs of what is to come, and is already getting compared to the legendary Didier Drogba, but humility has kicked in for the young striker.

‘‘Drogba is a legend; I am nobody here. I’ve just started, so let’s wait. When I finish with football, then people can talk,” he told Chelsea TV.

He picked the jersey number 15 at the start of the season, similar to Drogba in his first season, despite number 9 being vacant and having won 43 in pre-season.

Jackson's game is marked by quick feet, directness and willingness to take risks, which are part of the Ivorian legend whom he idolised.

Pochettino's comments on number 9

Chelsea’s transfer news: How much money did Chelsea spend this transfer window?

Football

Sports Brief reported that Pochettino claimed Chelsea's next striker will wear number 9 amid claims that players RW avoiding the number as it is believed to be cursed.

Romelu Lukaku, who is expected to leave the club before the window shuts, is the current occupant of the shirt and, just like his predecessors, struggled to have an impact.

Poch believes it is just a negative energy around the number that has to be broken by the best forward that signs for the club.