Mario Melchiot has delivered a glowing verdict on one first-team Chelsea star for what he’s doing this season.
There’s several individual in the Chelsea squad that are enjoying eye-catching campaigns, which is a credit to Enzo Maresca’s impact as the head coach.
The Blues go into Wednesday night’s away match at Southampton sitting third in the Premier League table. In fact, they’re only behind second-placed Arsenal on alphabetical order.
Chelsea’s predicted line-up versus Southampton features three changes from Sunday’s league victory at home to Aston Villa.
Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea controls the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Aston Villa FC at Stamford Bridge on December 0...
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Mario Melchiot hugely impressed by Nicolas Jackson
Mario Melchiot really likes what he’s seen from Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson this year. In particular, he loves that the £32m striker (The Guardian) continues to chip in with goals and isn’t discouraged by missing chances in front of goal.
“Jackson, as much as we were critical of him last season and asking for competition for him, I do have to say when a striker misses chances and keeps on going, you really got to look at this,” Melchiot told ESPN.
“He is delivering. He scored a really early goal [against Aston Villa]. He could have scored more, but he keeps on chipping the goals in. I think that’s a very good sign.”
Similarly, Chris Sutton claims Chelsea’s Jackson is “on fire” as he enjoys a successful second season in west London.
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The 23-year-old centre-forward, who’s started every league match so far this campaign, is proving he’s got all the skills to lead the line for the Blues.
Appearances Goals Assists
13 8 3
Nicolas Jackson so far in the 2024/25 Premier League season
Chelsea may have found a 20-goal striker
If Jackson can continue his form this season, he’s on course to smash through the 20-goal barrier. It’s worth remembering that no Chelsea forward has scored 20 league goals since Diego Costa in the 2016/17 campaign.
Chelsea’s Jackson has the best shot conversion rate in the Premier League so far this season with a 25.8% success rate.
He received a fair amount of stick for his erratic finishing last year. While the striker can still learn to be a lot more ruthless, it’s pretty evident that he’s improving in front of goal and edging towards becoming a top-class No.9.
The fact that Christopher Nkunku is waiting in the wings and can barely get a look-in highlights just how well Jackson is doing right now.
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