Nicolas Jackson is giving Aston Villa plenty to be positive about after quickly establishing himself as Unai Emery’s first-choice striker.
Since arriving at Villa Park, the summer signing has scored seven goals, including four in the Premier League. This has helped the club bounce back from a bad start to the season and rise up the table from 19th to 9th.
Former Villa boss Paul Lambert is impressed with the developments of the forward, believing he has improved on Ollie Watkins, who moved to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal over the summer.
It is a glowing review of a player who came in with plenty to prove after an inconsistent period away from Chelsea.
Jackson is making the most of his Villa opportunity
After losing Watkins and Morgan Rogers over the summer, Villa had to reformulate their attacking options. Emery stated that Jackson was an important acquisition and brought in a striker that he was familiar with from his time together at Villarreal.
It is an opportunity for Jackson to rebuild his reputation and his career. He scored 11 goals in 34 games during his last campaign at Bayern Munich but struggled to force his way into the starting XI behind Harry Kane.
Despite not being consistent during his time at Chelsea, he has shown a different side to his game since joining Villa.
He has settled in quickly, and his seven goals have helped Villa overcome their early issues. He has also provided a dependable attacking threat for Emery.
Lambert credits Emery for getting the best out of Jackson
Lambert feels Emery deserves a lot of credit for the progress Jackson has made. The manager had worked with the player before so knew exactly how to bring out the best in him.
Rather than be judged purely on his recent form elsewhere, Emery recognised the attributes Jackson can bring to Villa.
Lambert stated that the strong relationship had contributed significantly to his revival, and he believed Villa would suit him better than Chelsea or Bayern Munich.
The former manager was also complimentary when asked if Jackson was an upgrade on Watkins. He said he thought the summer signing was a good choice.
This is a testament to his strong start but will require him to perform to the same standard for much longer.
Jackson has an opportunity to become a leading Premier League striker
Jackson has earned more praise from former players after his early efforts. Former Senegal international Mamadou Diallo believes Jackson has the potential to become one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
But he feels he will need to improve his finishing to do so.
Former Villa midfielder Andy Townsend has also noticed a difference in the striker since moving to Chelsea.
Emery will be hoping Jackson can continue his good start to life at Villa.
If he can keep up his form and become a more clinical finisher, then Jackson could become a key player in the coming season.
Comments.
Loading comments…