Nicolas Jackson has scored just once in his first six games for Chelsea (Photo: Getty)
Arsenal icon Lee Dixon has criticised Nicolas Jackson, saying the Chelsea star’s finishing wouldn’t be out of place in ‘League Two’.
Jackson has made a somewhat difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge following his £32million move from Villarreal over the summer.
The forward has impressed with his work rate, physicality and link-up play earning comparisons to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
But crucially, the 22-year-old’s shooting skills leave a lot to be desired, scoring just one goal from his first five Premier League games, despite having taken 18 shots, the sixth highest in the division so far.
Notably, he has missed several huge chances including in the defeat to Nottingham Forest and last weekend’s goalless draw at Bournemouth.
Jackson netted 13 goals in 38 games for Villarreal, the bulk of which came in the latter part of the season, so there is talent there, with Dixon reckoning the Senegal international is serious lacking confidence at his new club
‘Jackson looks like he’s devoid of all confidence in front of goal,’ the former Gunners defender said on NBC Sports’ The Two Robbies podcast.
Mauricio Pochettino has won just one of his first five league games in charge of Chelsea (Photo: Getty)
‘I was watching him in the game [against Bournemouth] playing on the shoulder and he makes some good little runs.
‘I think that’s why he catches your eye when you first see him play at the start of the season, and you think: “Oh, hang on, he’s got a bit of something here”. He stretches the player, little spins on the shoulder, gets in behind and that’s never a bad thing.
‘If you do that, you’ve always got half a chance. He gets in those positions but what happens after that… Some of his shooting, wow. It was like League Two.
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‘That can’t be his finishing because he wouldn’t ever get a chance to play at that level. There’s a huge lack of confidence. I’m sure it doesn’t help playing in a side that’s 14th.’
While not exclusively his fault, Jackson’s woes have contributed to Chelsea winning just one of their first five league games under Mauricio Pochettino and there is already much speculation that the club will need to sign a new striker come January.
For now, Jackson is expected to keep leading the line when the Blues host Aston Villa on Sunday.
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