Ian Wright backs struggling Chelsea star to go to another level
Ian Wright sees promise in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson (Picture: Getty)
Ian Wright believes Nicolas Jackson has the potential to go to another level for Chelsea and turn his Stamford Bridge career around.
Jackson’s wastefulness in front of goal has been a problem for the Blues this season, with the Senegal international scoring just 13 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions.
The 22-year-old, who moved to Chelsea from Villarreal last summer in a deal worth £32m, was criticised after missing three big chances in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City two weeks ago.
Wright insists Jackson must improve his finishing but is adamant the player has talent and says he can become a star over the next few seasons.
‘I’m seeing Nicolas Jackson by the way… I’ve got to mention him,’ the ex-Arsenal and England striker said on the Wrighty’s House podcast.
‘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.
Jackson has missed a lot of chances this season (Picture: Getty)
‘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.’
Jackson’s last goal came in Chelsea’s impressive 6-0 victory over Everton but Mauricio Pochettino’s side have since lost to Manchester City and Arsenal and drawn 2-2 with Aston Villa.
After Jackson missed several chances at Wembley against Man City, Rio Ferdinand suggested he would never be a natural finisher in front of goal.
‘You change aspects of your game but normally with finishers they’re just born, man,’ the legendary ex-United and England centre-back said.
‘They have always been able to score goals in a certain way. Jermain Defoe didn’t just become a great finisher, Michael Owen didn’t become a great finisher.
‘Jackson might have scored goals throughout his days growing up as a player but I don’t think I could ever imagine him being a clean finisher. He’s not.
‘He does score scruffy goals and it ricochets to him sometimes, off him or whatever.
‘He’s always going to get chances I think because he moves well but in terms of finishing, he’s always going to miss chances.’
Chelsea, currently sitting ninth in the Premier League, have five more games to play, starting with a London derby against Tottenham on Thursday night.
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