Mauricio Pochettino has struggled to get his Chelsea side firing in front of goal so far this season after the Blues have netted just 13 goals in 10 Premier League fixtures
Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson has been compared to Tottenham forward Richarlison following his struggles in front of goal. The Senegalese forward is currently the Blues’ joint-top goalscorer after netting three times – the same amount as Raheem Sterling so far this season.
Jackson arrived at Stamford Bridge after completing a £32million move from Villarreal in the summer. The 22-year-old has picked up more bookings (5) than he has scored goals this season – with many still unconvinced by his finishing ability.
Jackson’s struggles have seen Mauricio Pochettino resort to playing Cole Palmer in a false nine role recently, with the former Manchester City man seemingly providing more creativity and goals than the Senegal international. Armando Broja made his return from a serious knee injury earlier this month, but his fitness continues to be a concern for Pochettino.
Chelsea have spent over £1billion on new signings since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completed a £4billion takeover at Stamford Bridge – but the need for a clinical, world-class striker still has not been addressed. The Blues are among the clubs interested in signing Brentford star Ivan Toney – with Thomas Frank’s side setting a £60million asking price to let the 27-year-old leave the club in January.
Former Chelsea ace Tony Cascarino has compared Jackson to Tottenham striker Richarlison after the Brazil international struggled to score goals in his debut season at Spurs. Cascarino said: “Nicolas Jackson is a bit like Richarlison for Tottenham.
“They’re [Chelsea] carrying him a bit and he’s finding it difficult. He’s not got that instinct to strike a ball properly, but he also wasn’t given a lot [of opportunities].”
