Nicolas Jackson scored an 82nd-minute winner for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest (Picture: Getty)
Alan Shearer says Nicolas Jackson is not ready to be a guaranteed starter for Chelsea and believes the club need to sign a ‘big name’ up front in the summer transfer window.
Jackson struck late on as Chelsea overcame Nottingham Forest in an entertaining 3-2 victory on Saturday, with Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling also on the scoresheet at the City Ground.
The Blues’ last away win in the Premier League came way back on February 12, when Mauricio Pochettino’s men beat Crystal Palace 3-1 in an all-London affair at Selhurst Park.
Jackson’s 82nd-minute winner took his goal tally to 14 in what has been a mixed debut season for the forward in the English top flight following a £32million transfer move from Villarreal last summer.
The Senegal international has shown glimpses of his undoubted quality across the campaign and Shearer – the Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer – feels Chelsea have a player with ‘big potential’.
However, the legendary ex-Newcastle, Blackburn and England striker believes Jackson will benefit in the long-term if Chelsea bring in a No.9 with proven pedigree ahead of next season.
‘I think his performance summed up his season. Some really good bits and some poor bits,’ Shearer said on Match of the Day.
Shearer believes Chelsea need to sign a ‘big name’ in attack (Picture: Getty)
‘He’s definitely raw but there is big potential there. He’s good at running with the ball, his runs in behind are really intelligent but little things like this [misplacing a pass in the final third], making simple decisions, when and how to pass that ball.
‘Sometimes the easiest ones are the most difficult ones to do.
‘It’s that final thing where he’s got to brush up on and get in behind.’
Jackson has scored 14 league goals in his debut season with the Blues (Picture: Getty)
Shearer added: ‘He’s 22 years of age, 29 starts, 14 goals… I think that’s a decent return.
‘It’s been a little unfair on him at times because he needed to be left out but couldn’t because of the lack of numbers in that squad.
‘He’ll learn, get better, they will bring someone in, I’m sure.’
Pochettino’s side picked up their first away victory since February 12 (Picture: Getty)
Asked whether Chelsea need to sign another No.9, Shearer replied: ‘Yeah they do need another No.9 because he’s not ready to be a regular there.
‘He’s had to put up with that this season and that’s why we’re picking up little bits on him where his game can improve.
‘But another No.9 in there, a big name that he can work alongside and work with, he’ll get better. I’m sure of it.
The Senegal striker completed a £32m switch from Villarreal to Stamford Bridge (Picture: Getty)
Chris Waddle was in agreement with Shearer as he rated Jackson’s performance on BBC Radio 5 Live, arguing that Chelsea must sign a goalscorer if they are to be in the mix for the top four next season.
Chelsea have got ability and some very good players,’ Waddle said after the side’s defeat of Forest.
‘There is a lot of players you can build around next season, but they definitely need a goal scorer.
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‘If they get a centre forward you will see Chelsea pushing for the top four next season. They just shaded it tonight.
‘But Chelsea have got to sort it out next season. They have got some class players and sometimes they do play too slow.
‘They are going the right way, but the top four is a long way off.’
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