‘He’s not a striker…’ – Mikel Obi comes for Nicolas Jackson again

Nicolas Jackson Chelsea
Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has voiced his doubts about Nicolas Jackson’s suitability as the striker to propel Chelsea to success, citing the player’s struggles in front of goal this season.

Speaking candidly on his podcast, Mikel said: “He [Jackson] is not scoring enough. He puts himself in the right positions and then isn’t finishing. He doesn’t score enough.”

Mikel, who is regarded as a Chelsea legend after his decorated career at Stamford Bridge, expressed concerns over whether Jackson has the clinical edge required to help Chelsea achieve their ambitions.

“He’s not a striker who’s going to get us top 4 or win us titles, he’s not that striker,” Mikel remarked, laying bare his reservations about the Senegalese forward.

While acknowledging Jackson’s strengths, including his link-up play and ball control, Mikel stressed that the lack of goals could ultimately prove costly for Chelsea this season.

“I don’t think he can get us over the line,” he said. “He’s good on the ball and link-up, but he’s not scoring enough.”

Mikel’s comments come as Chelsea continue to face challenges in converting opportunities into goals, with Jackson expected to lead the line. Despite showing promise in other areas of his game, the 22-year-old’s finishing remains a point of contention among fans and analysts, now highlighted by one of the club’s most trusted voices.