Nicolas Jackson perennially threatening but reality is undeniable – Chelsea striker has only delivered against Luton

IT’S time for some home truths about Nicolas Jackson (£2.6m).

Prior to Gameweek 1, the 22-year-old was hugely popular among Dream Team gaffers because of his affordable price and the cruel twist of fate that sidelined Christopher Nkunku (£4m).

With the Frenchman ruled out until at least November, Jackson was suddenly seen as Chelsea’s primary attacking threat for the first few months of the season.

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However, while the Senegal international has showed considerable potential, he’s largely cast a frustrating figure across the first five Gameweeks.

Only Erling Haaland (£8.2m) has missed more big chances than Jackson in the Premier League in 2023/24 but the key difference is that Manchester City’s No9 always gets his goal in the end.

Despite some wasteful outings, the Norwegian poacher has started the defence of his Golden Boot with seven goals in five games whereas the Blues’ No15 has just one goal to show for his efforts.

Haaland and Bryan Mbeumo (£3.8m) are the only Premier League players with more xG (expected goals) than Jackson so far this season but whereas the former pair have generally converted their chances in line with what the statisticians consider average, the latter has dramatically underperformed.

In fact, Ollie Watkins (£4.2m) is the only player who has performed worse against his xG than the ex-Villarreal forward at this stage – the Aston Villa man has at least compensated with four assists.

The data suggests Jackson would only need to improve his finishing ability from wasteful to average to produce healthy returns but Dream Team bosses may feel they can’t afford to wait around for such a progression.

Jackson’s backers who have watched Chelsea’s games will know that he poses a constant threat.

He’s taken up dangerous positions and has been fed favourable chances by the likes of Raheem Sterling (£3.8m) and Enzo Fernandez (£3.3m), giving the impression he’s constantly on the cusp of scoring.

The reality, however, is undeniable; Jackson has only delivered in one fixture, at home to Luton.

He took the Hatters for eleven points in Gameweek 3 but he’s mustered just 12 points from his other five appearances.

Not only that, he’s already incurred four yellow cards and is therefore on the brink of a one-match suspension.

With an ownership of 8% Jackson remains the eighth-most popular striker in Dream Team but the clock is ticking.

If he doesn’t provide substantial returns in Gameweek 6 against Aston Villa and/or Brighton then surely his remaining owners will lose patience.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk