Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has recently drawn comparisons to former Blues attacker Kai Havertz following the team’s ongoing struggles in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca’s side extended their winless streak to five matches on Tuesday night, managing a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.
The result was salvaged by Reece James, who netted a late equalizer.
Jackson, who has scored nine goals this season, has been unable to find the back of the net since Chelsea’s last league win against Brentford on December 15.
Although he assisted Cole Palmer’s opener at Stamford Bridge, Jackson missed a key opportunity later in the game, sending a shot over the crossbar.
The 22-year-old forward also missed another significant chance before halftime.
His header was saved by Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers, and he fired the rebound into the side-netting.
Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has now criticized Jackson’s inconsistency, calling it a potential issue for Maresca as the Blues currently sit fourth in the league table.
Speaking to ESPN, Burley acknowledged Jackson’s contributions this season but expressed doubts about his ability to be Chelsea’s main striker.
“There’s been more good than bad from Nicolas Jackson this season,” Burley said.
“But I see him as a player—similar to Kai Havertz at Arsenal—who might be more effective coming off the bench or playing in cup competitions.
“You need a top-class No. 9, and Jackson could serve as a secondary option.
He’s had a decent campaign, but I’m sure Maresca will look to strengthen that position in the future.”
Jackson’s situation has drawn parallels to Kai Havertz, who has faced similar criticism at Arsenal.
The German forward, who joined the Gunners in a £65 million move, has struggled for consistency in front of goal.
Havertz notably missed a key opportunity in Arsenal’s League Cup defeat to Newcastle and had a penalty saved in their FA Cup shootout loss to Manchester United.
This inconsistency mirrors his time at Chelsea, where he scored 32 goals in 139 appearances, despite famously netting the winner in the 2020 Champions League final.
Chelsea are reportedly targeting Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel as they look to bolster their attack.
Burley suggested that while Jackson has made progress compared to last season, he is far from the caliber of a player like Didier Drogba and might need to be replaced by a more clinical forward.
“At one point, they might have thought Christopher Nkunku could fill that role, but that hasn’t worked out,” Burley added.
“Top teams competing for trophies always have an elite striker, and while Jackson has been decent, he’s not at that level.”
This season, Chelsea have heavily relied on Cole Palmer, who has scored 14 league goals.
Behind him, winger Noni Madueke is the team’s third-highest scorer with just five goals.
