Nicolas Jackson is no Didier Drogba

Despite a disappointing performance from the Senegal international against Manchester City, it should not diminish what has otherwise been a promising debut season for him.
Chelsea had the opportunity to secure a spot in the FA Cup final against Manchester United, but fell short in a thrilling semi-final clash against Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Despite dominating large portions of the game, they were unable to capitalize on their chances, with Nicolas Jackson particularly culpable for his lack of composure in front of goal.

Former England defender Stuart Pearce, who covered the match for talkSPORT, remarked on Jackson's contradictory performance, labeling him both the best and worst player on the pitch. While Jackson showcased impressive individual skills, his inability to convert scoring opportunities ultimately cost Chelsea the game.

Jackson's debut season in English football has been marked by ups and downs, leaving many to question whether he has truly justified his hefty £30 million ($37m) price tag. While it may be tempting for Chelsea to cut their losses and seek potential suitors for Jackson in the upcoming summer transfer window, dismissing him prematurely could prove to be a misguided decision.

Despite his struggles, Jackson remains a player with immense potential and room for growth. While he may not yet be the player to break Chelsea's No.9 curse, there are still ample reasons to believe that he can develop into a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge. Although he may not emulate the style of the player he is often compared to, there is optimism that Jackson can carve out his own successful path in the Premier League.

Jackson will never be another Drogba

Chelsea has a storied history of strikers, with only two managing to meet the high expectations set by fans and pundits alike over the past two decades: Diego Costa and Didier Drogba. The pressure on new center-forwards at Stamford Bridge is immense, as they attempt to succeed where predecessors like Andriy Shevchenko, Fernando Torres, Alvaro Morata, and Romelu Lukaku fell short. Nicolas Jackson finds himself in a similar predicament, despite being in the early stages of his career.

Upon his arrival in west London, Jackson was immediately compared to Drogba, a legendary figure at Chelsea known for his dominance on the pitch. Drogba's remarkable achievements, including four Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph, have elevated him to iconic status among Chelsea faithful. His prowess in big-game situations and clinical finishing have left an indelible mark on the club's history.

While fans may yearn for Jackson to emulate Drogba's success, the reality is that such comparisons are unfair. Mauricio Pochettino, in defense of Jackson following his performance against City, acknowledged the weight of such expectations and urged patience. He emphasized that Jackson's journey at Chelsea should be viewed separately from Drogba's legacy, highlighting the young striker's determination and potential for growth.

It's worth noting that Drogba himself faced challenges early in his Chelsea career and took time to reach his peak. Jackson has already surpassed Drogba's first-season goal tally, showcasing his potential. However, Drogba had the luxury of playing in a stronger team, supported by the likes of Frank Lampard, Arjen Robben, and Joe Cole. With time and support, Jackson has the opportunity to carve out his own legacy at Stamford Bridge.

Only one thing missing

Once again, Jackson's struggles as a natural finisher were evident during the match at Wembley. In a key moment of the first half, he found himself one-on-one with Stefan Ortega but opted for a clumsy attempt to bypass the City goalkeeper, resulting in a squandered opportunity. His chance for redemption in the second half was met with a tame side-footed effort that was easily saved by Ortega, followed by a missed header from point-blank range.

Reflecting on Jackson's performance, former Chelsea star Lampard empathized with the young striker, acknowledging his positive attributes such as pace and movement, but also highlighting the critical importance of technical precision and decision-making in high-pressure games. Lampard emphasized the need for Jackson to elevate his game to meet the expectations placed upon him as a striker for Chelsea.

Indeed, while Jackson's positioning and work rate are commendable, his inability to convert scoring opportunities has drawn criticism. However, it is worth noting that Jackson ranks among the top players in the Premier League for non-penalty expected goals (xG) this season, indicating that he is consistently getting into promising positions. While he may be underperforming based on this metric, it underscores the potential for improvement in his finishing and overall effectiveness in front of goal.

Example of the 'King of Chaos'

To elevate his game, Jackson could draw inspiration from Darwin Nunez's transformative journey at Liverpool. Like Jackson, Nunez faced challenges during his initial season at Anfield, struggling to convert promising performances into consistent goal-scoring contributions. However, Nunez's perseverance and dedication paid off, as he honed his skills and became a crucial asset for Jurgen Klopp's team.

Despite a modest tally of nine Premier League goals in his debut season, Nunez showcased immense potential and talent. Klopp, acknowledging the difficulties of adapting to a new environment, praised Nunez's commitment to improvement and highlighted the positive impact of improved communication and integration within the team.

While Jackson's potential may not reach the same heights as Nunez's, he shares a similar work ethic and determination to succeed. Additionally, Jackson's proficiency in English facilitates seamless communication with his coach, Mauricio Pochettino, enabling him to refine his abilities as a center-forward.

Jackson's journey is just beginning, and his resilience in the face of adversity bodes well for his future development. With continued dedication and growth, Jackson has the opportunity to carve out a successful career and make significant contributions to Chelsea's success.

What's next?

Jackson is likely to lead Chelsea's attack once more in their upcoming London derby against Arsenal, although Pochettino has acknowledged the striker's fatigue following their recent match against Manchester City. Despite his youth, Pochettino believes that experiencing such intense situations will aid Jackson's development.

However, Jackson faced additional challenges off the pitch, as he was subjected to racial abuse on social media after the City game. Chelsea and Pochettino have condemned the abuse, urging for strong action against the perpetrators. Drogba also showed support for Jackson, encouraging him to remain resilient in the face of adversity.

Throughout his debut season at Chelsea, Jackson has demonstrated his mental strength repeatedly and is expected to continue doing so. While it may be premature to assess his long-term impact at Stamford Bridge, there is no denying that he is progressing in the right direction. If Jackson maintains his relentless work ethic and leads by example, Chelsea could still secure a spot in European competition this season, making Arsenal wary of underestimating him.