“I Saw Him Miss a Lot Of Chances”: Nicolas Jackson Compares Himself to Benzema Despite Chelsea Woes

Nicolas Jackson‘s arrival at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2023 was met with great anticipation and excitement among Chelsea fans. The young Senegalese striker was touted as the club’s future main man, expected to lead the line and score goals aplenty for the Blues. However, several months into the season, Jackson’s time at Chelsea has been characterized by a lack of consistency in front of goal, leaving many supporters frustrated and questioning his ability to deliver on his potential.

Signed from Spanish side Villarreal for a significant fee of £30 million, Jackson’s early performances showed glimpses of promise. His pace, agility, and eye for goal hinted at the makings of a top striker, and Chelsea fans were eager to see him flourish in the famous blue shirt. However, as the season progressed, goals became increasingly hard to come by for the 22-year-old forward.

In his first nine matches for Chelsea, Jackson managed to find the back of the net on two occasions, a decent return for a player still adjusting to the rigors of Premier League football. However, since December, his goal-scoring form has dipped significantly, with just one goal to his name in the subsequent games. With only nine goals from 21 appearances this season, Jackson’s lack of productivity has become a cause for concern among the Chelsea faithful.

Despite his struggles in front of goal, Jackson has shown glimpses of his talent and potential to impact games positively. In Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City, despite missing a golden opportunity to score, Jackson’s overall performance was commendable, contributing to the team’s effort with his work rate and movement off the ball. It’s clear that there’s more to Jackson’s game than just scoring goals, and his ability to influence matches in other ways bodes well for his development as a complete striker.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Jackson’s journey at Chelsea is his admiration for Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema. The Senegalese forward has spoken openly about how Benzema’s career trajectory serves as a source of inspiration for him.

Jackson recalls watching Benzema during his time at Real Madrid, noting that the French striker often missed chances but eventually went on to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, talksport reported. This parallel between Benzema’s early struggles and Jackson’s current predicament provides the young striker with hope and motivation to overcome his own challenges and fulfill his potential at Chelsea.

In discussing his admiration for Benzema, Jackson acknowledges that he is not yet at the same level as the Real Madrid icon but hopes to emulate his journey of growth and success. Under the guidance of Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, Jackson feels supported and encouraged to continue working hard and improving his game. Pochettino’s faith in the young striker has been evident throughout the season, with the Argentine coach regularly praising Jackson’s attitude and commitment on the training ground.

However, Jackson’s journey at Chelsea has not been without its share of controversies. In a recent incident against Crystal Palace, the Senegalese striker risked disciplinary action after receiving a yellow card for celebrating a teammate’s goal by running onto the field of play shortly after being substituted. While Jackson’s enthusiasm and passion for the game are commendable, his actions serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining discipline and composure, even in moments of jubilation.

As Jackson continues to navigate the highs and lows of his Chelsea career, he remains focused on his ultimate goal of becoming a key figure for the club. With the support of his teammates, coaching staff, and the unwavering backing of the Chelsea faithful, Jackson is determined to overcome his struggles and prove himself as a valuable asset to the team. While the road ahead may be challenging, the young striker’s resilience and determination will undoubtedly serve him well as he seeks to carve out his place in Chelsea’s illustrious history.