Many before him failed, and as he started, it does not seem that Nicolas Jackson will “cure” Chelsea’s chronic problem with central attackers. Nine months after the 37 million transfer from Villarreal, the young Senegalese striker is fighting criticism from the general public, because, despite the fact that he is within reach of double-digit goals, his stay at Stamford Bridge has been marked by failures. As many as 14 big chances were not used by the tall centre forward in the Premier League this season, and according to that parameter, he is fourth on the list, which is why fans of the London club doubt that Jackson is a long-term solution,Jose can’t go to Africa because everyone loves him too much – and call him daddy!The Senegalese spoke to ‘talkSPORT’ about the thorny start in the new environment. Jackson expressed his ‘theory’ that many attackers hesitate to come to Chelsea because of the long list of centre-forwards who, after Didier Drogba, failed to leave a deeper mark in West London.”It’s not easy. If you think of all the strikers that came here, you would not want to come here. If you think about the strikers that come here, and people say they’re not good enough, you would think. There is no need for me to come here. But I was brought up to be challenged and don’t listen to other people and just do the thing that’s the most important, that’s playing for the team and make the team win, and being in a good relationship with the players and the coach and everybody. That’s the most important for me. That’s why I came. When I came, I understood why they were saying they’re not good enough, because it’s a big team and everything, but life is like this. We just have to continue working and believe in ourselves and try to improve every day” said Jackson.Only the Saudis are bigger spenders than ChelseaThe Senegalese striker found an inspiration to keep him focused – Karim Benzema.”Sometimes I go to sleep watching the same videos, always thinking I should’ve done better. But when I was young, I saw Karim Benzema playing for Real Madrid. I was supporting Madrid when I was young and Benzema was missing a lot of chances. But you know, later he won the Ballon d’Or. I’m not saying I’m that level. I can’t be that level now. But I’ve seen it before so I’m not worried. I’m just trying to improve every day and be where I want to be” he explained.Gusto used to watch Chelsea win trophies on television. Now he wants to do it himselfApart from getting useful advice from coach Mauricio Pochettino, who groomed one great striker in Tottenham (Harry Kane), Jackson also has fellow Senegalese Demba Ba, who was a Blues striker for almost two years. But the ultimate person he wants to see in off course Didier Drogba.”It would be amazing because he was a legend and I was watching him since I was young. But we never talk because he is from Cote d’Ivoire and I am from Senegal. It’s not like Demba Ba. I’ve spoken to him because he played for Chelsea before and he’s Senegalese. But Didier, we never talk. I hope to see him one day so he can give me advice to be like him” admits Jackson.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUESaturday18:00: (1.58) Aston Villa (4.10) Nott.Forest (5.70)18:00: (1.57) Man.Utd. (4.10) Fulham (5.80)18:00: (2.05) Crystal Palace (3.50) Burnley (4.00)18:00: (1.85) Brighton (3.60) Everton (4.30)20:30: (8.00) Bournemouth (4.80) Man.City (1.45)23:00: (1.40) Arsenal (5.30) Newcastle (8.00)Sunday16:30: (1.48) Wolverhampton (4.40) Sheffield Utd (6.75)Monday23:00: (2.55) West Ham (3.35) Brentford (2.75)***odds are subject to change***
