One of Xabi Alonso’s first big decisions at Chelsea will be the future of Nicolas Jackson.
Nicolas Jackson’s relationship with Enzo Maresca was a volatile chapter in his time at Chelsea, ultimately leading to a complete breakdown between player and manager.
Despite showcasing immense potential during his debut season at Stamford Bridge under Mauricio Pochettino, where he notched an impressive 14 goals, Jackson quickly found himself frozen out.
Maresca’s system and preferences upfront led to Jackson being deemed surplus to requirements, culminating in a sudden loan move to Bayern Munich.
However, with Maresca now gone and Xabi Alonso officially taking charge, there could be a chance for a revival this summer at Stamford Bridge.
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Enzo Maresca’s exit opens the door for Nicolas Jackson
According to Kieran Gill, one source once told him that the striker would not play for Chelsea again while Maresca remained head coach.
Interestingly, Chelsea still value Jackson at around the £60 million he joined for, suggesting that they still have belief in the striker.
However, it will ultimately come down to Xabi Alonso, who has a decision to make with Emanuel Emegha, Joao Pedro, Marc Guiu and Liam Delap all facing for a place this summer.
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Would Nicolas Jackson work in Xabi Alonso’s system?
Nicolas Jackson would thrive as the centrepiece of Xabi Alonso’s fluid 3-4-2-1 system. He demands a highly versatile centre-forward who can drop deep to link play, manipulate tight spaces, and aggressively stretch defensive lines, traits Jackson mastered under Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich.
Furthermore, Jackson’s physical presence, relentless work rate, and selfless pressing would initiate Alonso’s defensive triggers from the front.
Rather than playing as a rigid target man, he could genuinely come out of his shell under Alonso, but Joao Pedro won’t be an easy target to move if he stays at Chelsea.
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