Nicolas Jackson: How Chelsea Star Is Rapidly Improving Amid Victor Osimhen Talks

• Nicolas Jackson is quickly winning fans' hearts with impeccable displays
• The forward has been in fine form since returning from the 2023 AFCON
• His finishing is still a concern, but his link-up play is integral to Chelsea's attack

Nicolas Jackson's first part of the season at Stamford Bridge was a double-edged sword. He instantly impressed during pre-season, forming a dazzling partnership and understanding with Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku.

That form, however, quickly vanished once Mauricio Pochettino began his first Premier League campaign in West London. Jackson's game was peppered with high-profile misses, leaving many questioning whether he was the type of striker who could lead Chelsea's hunt for major titles.

For context, only three players have missed more big chances than him in the Premier League this season. He was, ironically, one of Chelsea's worst players on the pitch during the 4-1 demolition of Tottenham in early November. He scored a hattrick but could easily have had seven or more goals had he been more clinical.

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Why Jackson has been targeted unfairly

But amid all the condemnation and criticism on social media, a couple of facts were lost along the way. Prior to signing for Chelsea, the Senegalese forward was predominantly used as a winger at Villareal. He had less than a season's experience playing as a forward before being handed Chelsea's number nine role in arguably the most competitive league in the world.

Additionally, it is presumed that Chelsea's initial plan was to have him play off Nkunku, either as a number 10, from the wing or as two number 9s. But this is a formation Pochettino has yet to trial out due to the constant fitness issues of the French striker. Romelu Lukaku's loan move to AS Roma and Armando Broja's continued rehabilitation from a long-term injury meant that Jackson had to play as a number 9, prior enough experience notwithstanding.

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The result was Chelsea fans saw a raw and unpolished player who still had an idea of what was required of him. His movement and position were as wanting as his finishing. However, in areas where he was deficient, he compensated them by being an efficient ball progressor who could beat defenders and create chances.

Jackson's gameplay after AFCON 2023

It is this quality that Pochettino has banked on since the 22-year-old's return from the Africa Cup of Nations. The finishing problems still persist, but he has rapidly stepped up his other qualities.

Against Leicester City over the weekend, Jackson made a chance out of nothing. Cole Palmer sent a wishful ball forward, setting up Jackson against three defenders and the goalkeeper to beat. He took the ball in his stride before easing off Jannik Vestergaard and drawing in Wout Faes and Hamza Choudhury in. Jackson then squared off the ball to an arriving Marc Cucurella to tap into an empty net.

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His skills were also on display when he flicked the ball over Vestegaard again before embarking on a solo run that was only stopped by Callum Doyle, who was sent off. Raheem Sterling skied the resultant free-kick, but that will go down as a chance created by Jackson.

He didn't get on the scoresheet in the FA Cup tie, but he has now scored four goals and made three assists in his last 10 games. He is already up to nine goals this season, two more than what Kai Havertz managed the whole of last season to be Chelsea's top scorer. Only Palmer is putting in much better numbers than him for Pochettino.

The question Pochettino will seek to answer is where to deploy him when Nkunku is fit and running again. The Argentine manager always wanted to build his squad around the former RB Leipzig star. Jackson's wing play seems to be improving and having him lay off passes to Nkunku, who is an assumed better finisher, could be the turning point for a giant, currently in 11th place.

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Why Chelsea don't need Victor Osimhen

So, Chelsea fans, the question I pose today is, should the club still go all out and sign Victor Osimhen? Is it easier to teach Jackson to be a better goalscorer or teach Osimhen how to link play better?

Whichever way you look at it, Jackson offers more to the current Chelsea set-up but needs to be relieved from the number nine role. Then afterwards, the apologies should be as loud as the disrespect.

Why Chelsea could miss out on Osimhen

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Chelsea are in danger of missing out on Osimhen as other clubs line bids.

Osimhen is widely expected to quit Napoli at the end of this season, and a couple of top European clubs are bidding for his signature.

The lack of Champions League football next season could affect the Blues' chances of getting the Nigerian hitman.