Competition for places is heating up at Chelsea, and former Newcastle striker Callum Wilson believes Nicolas Jackson could be in for a rude awakening.
Joao Pedro, Chelsea’s £60 million summer signing from Brighton, wasted no time making his mark. The Brazilian forward bagged both goals in Chelsea’s semi-final win just ten days after his arrival, taking full advantage of the absence of Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap, who were suspended.
Wilson, speaking on the situation, praised Enzo Maresca’s depth in attack, noting that the new Chelsea boss has a wealth of options at his disposal.
“Pedro, Jackson, and Delap all bring something different,” Wilson said.
“Their versatility and goal-scoring ability mean Maresca has depth and quality up front.”
But that depth, Wilson warns, comes with a price. The pressure is on for every Chelsea striker, and nobody’s place is guaranteed – not even Jackson’s.
“When you’re at a top club like Chelsea, you know that’s the way it’s going to be,” Wilson added.
The message is clear: competition is the nature of the beast at elite clubs. With Joao Pedro hitting the ground running and Chelsea preparing for a blockbuster FIFA Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain, Wilson believes the striker battle is only just beginning.
And while Jackson may have led the line for much of last season, his path back into the starting XI is far from certain.
“You can’t afford to drop your level, especially when someone else is performing,” Wilson said.
“Jackson may find it tough to get back in, especially with a ban looming at the start of the new season.”
That looming suspension, combined with reported interest from AC Milan, adds another layer of uncertainty to Jackson’s situation. If Pedro continues to deliver and Delap proves his worth, Jackson could be facing an uphill climb under Maresca.
Chelsea fans should expect a fierce battle for the No. 9 role – and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
One thing is certain, though: as Callum Wilson rightly puts it, “you know that’s the way it’s going to be.”