The stats that contradict the narrative around Nicolas Jackson’s start at Chelsea

Mark Twain is attributed to having mentioned: “There are three sorts of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”

It’s an adage that always rings true in fashionable soccer as gamers are – rightly or wrongly – judged by the numbers they return throughout a season. Nonetheless, these stats can typically be used selectively to strengthen a selected narrative.

Is Jackson as wasteful as is being steered?

Within the case of Nicolas Jackson, the Senegalese striker is commonly accused of being wasteful in entrance of aim. To again this notion up, Opta’s checklist of probably the most ‘massive probabilities’ missed within the Premier League is used as Jackson is proven to be in fourth place having squandered 15 scoreable alternatives as of mid-March.

What this stat doesn’t inform you, nevertheless, is that Erling Haaland tops the checklist with 26 massive probabilities missed.

This isn’t to say that Jackson hasn’t been responsible of poor ending at occasions as a result of he has. Crucially, Jackson mentioned as a lot following a frenetic 2-2 draw in opposition to Brentford in early March.

It was a match that noticed the 22-year-old chip in with a well-timed header 35 minutes in to present Chelsea the lead however it finally wasn’t sufficient for the Blues to win a heated London derby.

A part of the explanation for returning to West London with just one level was resulting from Jackson’s lack of leading edge on the day. Moreover, his admission was telling because it confirmed that he’s conscious of the unfavourable noise round him.

Jackson is poised to outscore Drogba

Once more although, the query needs to be requested, how truthful is the narrative that has developed?

In spite of everything, the good Didier Drogba scored ten Premier League objectives in his first season for Chelsea whereas Jackson has netted 9 in his debut season. The distinction right here is that there are nonetheless ten video games to play within the 2023/2024 season and if Jackson continues on this optimistic trajectory, he’ll comfortably surpass Drogba’s file.

It’s not all about objectives although when measuring Jackson’s contribution on condition that the striker has additionally registered three assists within the present marketing campaign – certainly one of them coming in opposition to Manchester Metropolis on the Etihad Stadium when he skillfully performed in Raheem Sterling for the sport’s opening aim.

Such selfless endeavors method from aim is additional proof that Jackson’s work price has considerably elevated. Consequently, there was a noticeable enchancment in his work ethic following a stay telling off on Sky Sports activities by a teammate.

Jackson heeds direct recommendation from influential Cole Palmer

The Senegalese striker was famously known as out over how onerous he utilized himself in coaching by Cole Palmer throughout a stay interview after a hat-trick in opposition to Spurs in November. Palmer’s phrases have been:

“He simply must maintain his head down and work tougher in coaching and he’ll get many extra hat-tricks.”

Whereas it was a message that Jackson instantly took on board and has been the catalyst for an more and more spectacular debut season at Stamford Bridge, it is usually price noting how a lot respect 21-year-old Palmer has earned within the dressing room. A minimum of, to publicly demand his teammates enhance regardless of being youthful than them is a rarity.

These liberties are solely afforded to generational skills and it’s definitely one of many the reason why Gareth Southgate is contemplating constructing his Euro 2024 workforce round Palmer as England head into the European Championships as favourites.

Chelsea followers who really feel {that a} Three Lions aspect that includes Palmer can go all the way in which in Germany this summer season can entry these Euros betting provides from bookmakers resembling Betfred, bet365, and Copybet. As a lot as £50 in free bets will be claimed when signing up which can be utilized on England within the outright market at odds of seven/2.

Whereas this summer season is likely to be a historic event for Palmer and England, it would additionally present Jackson with the time to look again on his first season with Chelsea.

To this point, so good

It might have began underwhelmingly for the Senegalese striker in England however it’s set to finish with Jackson being spoken about as one of many bargains of the 2023 summer season.

Certainly, opposite to fashionable perception, the 22-year-old now has the numbers to indicate that he’s bettering the early data of a few of Chelsea’s greatest-ever gamers.