Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has drawn comparisons to Kai Havertz after the Blues’ latest Premier League disappointment.
Enzo Maresca’s side extended their winless streak to five games on Tuesday night, managing a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, with Reece James rescuing a point through a late equalizer.
Jackson, who has scored nine goals this season, has not found the net since Chelsea’s last league victory over Brentford on December 15.
While he assisted Cole Palmer’s opening goal at Stamford Bridge, he missed a crucial opportunity later in the game, sending his shot over the bar.
The 22-year-old also squandered another major chance before halftime, failing to capitalize on a header saved by Bournemouth’s Mark Travers and firing the rebound into the side-netting.
Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has now voiced concerns about Jackson’s inconsistency, suggesting it’s becoming an issue for Maresca, especially as Chelsea sit fourth in the Premier League standings.
“Nicolas Jackson has had more good moments than bad this season,” Burley said in an interview with ESPN.
“But I view him as a player, much like Kai Havertz at Arsenal, who is better suited to coming off the bench or playing in cup competitions.
“Top teams need a top-tier No. 9, and Jackson could work well as a backup option.
He’s had a solid season, but it’s clear that Enzo Maresca will need to strengthen the striker position if Chelsea want to compete at the highest level.”
Havertz, who has faced criticism for his own lack of consistency, has been compared to Jackson for his struggles in front of goal.
The Arsenal forward recently missed a pivotal chance in the League Cup loss to Newcastle and had a penalty saved during the FA Cup shootout defeat to Manchester United.
These issues echo his Chelsea career, where despite scoring the decisive goal in the 2020 Champions League final, he netted only 32 goals in 139 appearances before moving to Arsenal in a £65 million deal.
Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel as they search for reinforcements in attack.
According to Burley, while Jackson has shown improvement compared to last season, he is far from the caliber of striker Chelsea require.
“At one time, they might have hoped Christopher Nkunku would take on that role, but that hasn’t happened,” Burley added.
“Chelsea will likely need to revisit their search for a top forward. Teams competing for titles all have a clinical striker, while Nicolas Jackson is simply decent.”
Currently, Chelsea have relied heavily on Cole Palmer for goals, with the England international netting 14 times in the Premier League.
Behind him, Noni Madueke is the team’s third-highest scorer with only five goals, underlining the club’s need for a more prolific striker to improve their offensive capabilities.