Alan Shearer Believes Chelsea Need Established Striker Despite Jackson’s Promise
Legendary striker Alan Shearer has cast doubt on Nicolas Jackson’s ability to be Chelsea’s starting striker next season, urging the club to sign a more established goalscorer in the summer transfer window.
Jackson Saves the Day, But Questions Remain
Jackson secured a dramatic late winner for Chelsea in their 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday. This capped a 14-goal debut season for the Senegalese forward, who arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer for £32 million.
While acknowledging glimpses of Jackson’s undoubted talent, Shearer believes the 22-year-old is still raw and would benefit from playing alongside a more experienced striker.
“I think his performance summed up his season,” Shearer said on Match of the Day. “There were some really good bits and some poor bits. He’s definitely raw, but there’s big potential there.”
Shearer: Room for Improvement Despite Decent Debut Season
Alan Shearer highlighted areas where Jackson can improve, such as decision-making and passing in the final third. However, he acknowledged the challenges Jackson faced due to a lack of depth in the Chelsea squad.
“He’s good at running with the ball, his runs in behind are really intelligent,” Shearer said. “But little things like this [misplacing a pass in the final third], making simple decisions, when and how to pass that ball. Sometimes the easiest ones are the most difficult ones to do. It’s that final thing where he’s got to brush up on and get in behind.”
Despite a solid debut season with 14 goals, Alan Shearer believes Jackson is not yet ready to be Chelsea’s main striker.
“He’s 22 years old, 29 starts, 14 goals… I think that’s a decent return,” Shearer said. “It’s been a little unfair on him at times because he needed to be left out but couldn’t because of the lack of numbers in that squad. He’ll learn, get better, they will bring someone in, I’m sure.”
Alan Shearer and Waddle Agree: Chelsea Needs Established Striker
Alan Shearer’s opinion was echoed by former footballer Chris Waddle, who also believes Chelsea must acquire a proven goalscorer to challenge for a top-four finish next season.
“Yeah, they do need another No.9 because he’s not ready to be a regular there,” Shearer said. “He’s had to put up with that this season and that’s why we’re picking up little bits on him where his game can improve. But another No.9 in there, a big name that he can work alongside and work with, he’ll get better. I’m sure of it.”
Waddle echoed this sentiment, suggesting that a new striker is crucial for Chelsea’s top-four aspirations.
“Chelsea have got ability and some very good players,” Waddle said. “There are a lot of players you can build around next season, but they definitely need a goal scorer. If they get a centre forward you will see Chelsea pushing for the top four next season.
They just shaded it tonight. But Chelsea have got to sort it out next season. They have got some class players and sometimes they do play too slow. They are going the right way, but the top four is a long way off.” Shearer said speaking on Match on the day.
