Leading the forward line at Chelsea presents a daunting challenge, as evidenced by the struggles of past players like Romelu Lukaku, Fernando Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Alvaro Morata, all of whom bore the infamous No 9 shirt, considered cursed at the Cobham training ground.
Upon his arrival from Villarreal, Jackson had the opportunity to claim the number but declined, despite having worn it for Senegal. This decision left Chelsea among the few Premier League clubs without a designated No 9, along with Aston Villa, Tottenham, Newcastle, and Wolves.
Instead, Jackson opted for the unconventional No 15, the same number Didier Drogba wore when he initially joined Chelsea. Given this choice, comparisons to Drogba were inevitable, given the digits on his back.
Drogba scored 10 Premier League goals in his debut season, helping Chelsea clinch the title under Jose Mourinho. Jackson, currently on nine goals from 24 games, finds himself in a campaign where Chelsea sits 11th. Mauricio Pochettino believes that with time, Jackson will develop composure in front of goal, despite spending this season urging supporters to be patient with the Premier League newcomer.
Jackson’s most commendable trait may be his willingness to acknowledge his mistakes and refuse to let them impede his progress. In a match against Brentford, he stumbled while attempting step-overs in the box, a moment that fueled social media memes. However, Jackson responded by scoring a powerful header, silencing the Brentford fans who had been taunting him.
In another match against Newcastle, he scored a cleverly disguised flick after just six minutes, initially confusing even the Stamford Bridge announcer, who attributed the goal to Cole Palmer. Although a second goal was disallowed due to offside, Jackson’s flicked header set up Raheem Sterling for a one-on-one chance, showcasing his potential for assists.
Despite facing criticism, Jackson, at 22 years old and in his debut season with Chelsea, is proving why it would be premature to dismiss him as a failure. He is leading the line for a club undergoing significant changes and holding his own on the pitch.