Jackson has been outstanding this season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in the Premier League. However, the 23-year-old was ineffective and substituted in the 76th minute against Spurs. ..Continue Reading
He didn’t contribute to any of Chelsea’s three goals up to that point, and he left the field without registering a shot on target, making a key pass, or completing a successful dribble.
The sight of Jackson on the bench was equally troubling for Chelsea fans. A Tottenham supporter captured footage of the striker sulking with his head tucked inside his shirt, rather than supporting his teammates with the match still in the balance at 3-2.
Jackson didn’t raise his head to watch the game during the minute-long clip, raising concerns that he might be too focused on his own performance rather than Chelsea’s overall effort to secure three points.
Some fans might hope to see Jackson better manage his emotions. The Senegalese international’s sulk continued even after the full-time whistle confirmed a 4-3 win for Chelsea.
As the Chelsea players went to celebrate with the away fans, Jackson trailed behind, hiding in the hood of his coat. Manager Enzo Maresca noticed and went back to put an arm around Jackson, bringing him over to join the team.
Jackson’s behavior highlights the intense pressure on each first-team player at Chelsea, given the squad depth Maresca has at his disposal.
Jackson has been a regular starter in the Premier League this season, but back-up forward Christopher Nkunku is pushing for a spot, having excelled in other competitions.
Despite this, Maresca continues to show confidence in Jackson. Former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly supports this faith, believing Jackson has the potential to one day win the Ballon d’Or.
“Nico Jackson has to believe he can be world class,” he told GIVEMESPORT.
“All the players who have won the Ballon d’Or believed they could. So you have to put this in Nico’s head. I don’t tell him to be selfish and ignore his team-mates, but he has to think about the Ballon d’Or. If you put this image in his head, he can achieve it. And that’s what I tell him all the time.”
