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Nicolas Jackson's performance for Chelsea against Manchester City has opened him up to questions about his IQ
Former Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge has raised concerns about the footballing intelligence of current Blues forward Nicolas Jackson.
The Senegalese striker’s lack of awareness was laid bare again during crucial moments in Chelsea's 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the opening match of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Jackson disappoints in Chelsea loss
Jackson thought he had scored a crucial equaliser for Chelsea against Manchester City in the first half, but saw his goal disallowed due to offside after a VAR check.
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The 23-year-old striker had capitalised on a mistake by Manchester City's goalkeeper Ederson, who spilled a shot from Cole Palmer, but his fine finish was marred by his faulty positioning in the buildup.
This was not the only instance where Jackson let his team down as he also failed to convert the Blues’ best chance against Manchester City, firing straight at Ederson when was put through on goal.
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Jackson’s disappointing performance, which ended in a 66th minute substitution did not earn him any fans among the Blues faithful, with one former Chelsea striker heavily critical of the Senegalese forward.
Sturridge questions Jackson’s IQ
Speaking at halftime, Sturridge slammed the Senegalese striker, saying, 'Small margins. It is. It's that IQ as well. Sometimes, you know, knowing that, OK, he's going to take a shot, I've got to time my run to be on side for the rebound if by any chance, the goalkeeper spills it.
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“And as an attacker, as a centre forward, you know, look, these opportunities are rare. 'Goalkeepers spilling the ball is rare. So when it does happen, you've got to be there on side to take those chances, because it is very difficult to get easy chances in the line as well.
“He's got to to time his run as a centre forward. It's important for you to time your run for the rebound so you can be onside to take a chance like that, which in this game, he may not get a chance as good as that.”
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Jackson’s ill-fated performance against Manchester City is the latest in a long line of instances that have maligned the Senegalese star’s time at Stamford Bridge, with many questioning whether he should be the one to lead Chelsea’s attack in the face of options like Victor Osimhen in the transfer market.
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