Chelsea Legend Gianfranco Zola Reveals Key Reason Why Nicolas Jackson is Thriving This Season, But Struggled Under Mauricio Pochettino

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been performing much better this season, and club legend Gianfranco Zola recently shared why he thinks the 23-year-old has improved. Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal in the summer of 2023 for £32 million and made an impact right away. Last season, the Senegalese forward scored 17 goals across all competitions, including 14 in the Premier League, which earned him a contract extension until 2033. This season, Zola and others are noticing a positive change in Jackson’s game.

While Jackson had a good first season at Chelsea, he faced some criticism. He missed a lot of scoring chances, and fans felt Chelsea needed a more experienced striker, especially after the club couldn’t sign top target Victor Osimhen in the summer. This left Jackson under pressure to prove himself as Chelsea’s main forward.

However, he has stepped up this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in the first ten games. Former player Martin Keown even called Jackson one of the “most feared strikers in the league,” showing just how much he’s improved.

Zola believes Jackson’s progress this season is linked to Chelsea’s improved teamwork. He explained in a recent interview with talkSPORT that as Chelsea’s overall play has become more structured, Jackson has been able to benefit.

“I think he is getting better, but I think this is a consequence of the team getting better,” Zola said. He explained that the team is now playing in a consistent way that allows Jackson to get the ball in the right places to score.

According to Zola, Jackson does best when he has space to run and make his move towards the goal. This season, Chelsea’s passing and team organization have allowed Jackson to find more of these chances.

Jackson’s finishing — his ability to turn chances into goals — has also improved. Zola credited Jackson’s hard work in training but also praised Chelsea’s coach, Enzo Maresca, for helping Jackson develop his skills.

“Last year strangely, his finishing was not as good as everyone was thinking of, but this year it is getting better,” Zola said. “This is obviously down to his work, but also a lot about Maresca’s work.”

With Maresca’s guidance and support from his teammates, Jackson seems more confident, and it’s showing in his game.

Zola pointed out that Chelsea’s playing style has changed to benefit Jackson. The team is building their attacks from the back, which helps Jackson anticipate where the ball will go and be ready to make a move. This tactical change lets Jackson focus on his strengths, like making well-timed runs to receive passes.

Jackson’s stats — six goals and three assists so far — show he’s found a good rhythm with the team. As Zola mentioned, Jackson’s success is not just about his own efforts but also how the whole team works together to play to his strengths.

Jackson may get a rest in Chelsea’s Conference League game against Noah on Thursday, but he’s likely to start in the important Premier League game against Arsenal on Sunday. With growing confidence and the team’s support, Jackson could make this season one of his best at Chelsea.