Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been compared to former player Kai Havertz following the team’s recent struggles in the Premier League. On Tuesday night, Chelsea’s disappointing form continued as they were held to a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, marking their fifth consecutive game without a win.
Jackson, who has scored nine goals this season, has not found the net since Chelsea’s last league victory over Brentford on December 15. He assisted Cole Palmer’s opening goal but missed a key chance shortly after and failed to capitalize on two other opportunities, including a header that was saved before putting the rebound into the side-netting.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley criticized Jackson’s performance, suggesting that while the striker has shown promise, he’s not yet the “top No.9” Chelsea needs. Burley likened him to Havertz, who has struggled in front of goal at Arsenal after a mixed stint at Chelsea, and argued that Jackson would be better suited as a squad player or for cup games rather than as a consistent starter in the league.
Burley also pointed out that Chelsea might need to reassess their striker position, with the team currently sitting fourth in the table. Chelsea have been linked with Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel, and Burley suggested Jackson may need to be sold to make room for a more proven goalscorer.
Despite Jackson’s improvement from last season, Burley believes he hasn’t shown the qualities of a top-level forward like Didier Drogba, and that Chelsea’s title aspirations may depend on strengthening the striker role further.
The team has relied heavily on Palmer, who has scored 14 Premier League goals this season, with winger Noni Madueke contributing five goals.
