“You cannot compare [Nicolas] Jackson now with Chelsea Legends Lampard, Drogba, Hasselbaink, and Cole Palmer Achieve Impressive Goal Record”>Didier Drogba
,” Mauricio Pochettino warned during the new striker’s first season at Chelsea. While the departed Argentine coach would be right to avoid judging Jackson by the lofty standards of Drogba’s entire Chelsea career, the two characters enjoyed and endured similar starts to life in west London. Both arrived as exciting centre forwards tasked with immediately transferring their goalscoring feats on the continent to the Premier League.Jackson is at an earlier stage in his career compared to late-blooming Drogba, who joined the Blues more in his prime years as one of the most expensive strikers in the world in 2004. But the 23-year-old Senegal international certainly left his mark on the Blues during an eventful debut campaign.
Here’s how the two strikers fared across their opening 50 games for Chelsea.
Both Jackson and Drogba struggled in front of goal immediately after landing in London. Chelsea’s modern-day forward earned his first Premier League suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards before he scored his second goal in the competition.
Drogba only netted once across his first five appearances for the Blues before bagging a brace on his Champions League debut for the club. The 2004 recruit was at his best in Europea during early stages of his career in English football – which is unsurprising given his experience on continent with a Marseille side that made it to UEFA Cup final shortly before Drogba was sold.
The Ivory Coast international reflected on criticism – from home and opposition fans - which came way at Chelsea. “As soon as I miss a chance it’s: ‘Why did they spend so much money on him?'” Drogba told BBC Sport Africa, six months after arrival. “There’s even a song about it. But I like that. It motivates me.”
Jackson’s finishing has also left plenty desired.The unrefined forward, who spent no time any recognised footballing academy, can be incredibly erratic front goal Only two Premier League players missed more what Opta define as ‘big chances’ during debut campaign while tally 14 top-flight goals significantly lower than xG figure 18.6
While Jackson is yet lift first piece silverware with Chelsea, Drogba had already hoisted aloft three trophies after first 50 games for Blues Ivorian undoubtedly benefitted from arriving London early stages Abramovich era joining side funded by unrivalled riches led one greatest managers all time
However,Drobga established lofty reputation ultimate ’big-game player’ six months into Chelsea career After Mourinho had been banished stands taunting Liverpool supporters as 2005 League Cup final entered extra time coach marquee summer arrival managed scramble Glen Johnson long throw over line put Blues up showpiece they would eventually win Overcome emotion occasion,Drobga celebrated ripping off number shirt same set digits which Jackson would inherit two decades later
“It was little bit difficult at first,”Drobga explained end debut season at Chelseas quoted by Sky Sports”because when I first came London,I was very,tired.”accomplished forward claimed injuries fatigue limited him “60%” potential at first,before grew into role
Jackson couldn’t blame any fitness concerns,but followed same learning curve as Drogb The pair even recorded exactly same number goals (21) across their first games blue
Chelsea current number insisted start2024/25 campaign that he is “still learning process” future looks increasingly bright hungry young forward who has enjoyed prolific start new season,but Drogbas Chelseacareer shows no development straight line club icon only scored goals across next games for Chelse