Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has intensified his criticism of striker Nicolas Jackson while urging the club to pursue elite forwards like Victor Osimhen, Alexander Isak, or Viktor Gyokeres to solve their scoring woes. Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the Blues legend expressed deep concerns about the team’s attacking prowess and Jackson’s ability to lead the line effectively.
Jackson’s recent goal drought has become a significant talking point, with the forward failing to find the net in his last four appearances. This barren spell has coincided with Chelsea dropping crucial points in their Premier League campaign, further distancing themselves from league leaders Liverpool. The situation has prompted Mikel to question whether Jackson possesses the qualities needed to spearhead Chelsea’s attack at the highest level.
The Nigerian football icon pulled no punches in his assessment of Jackson’s performances, stating emphatically, “He’s not a striker who’s going to get us to the top four or win us the Premier League title. He’s not that striker.” While acknowledging Jackson’s ability to link play and his general ball control, Mikel emphasized that these qualities alone are insufficient for a team with Chelsea’s ambitions.
Mikel’s analysis extends beyond mere criticism, as he points to specific alternatives who could transform Chelsea’s attacking fortunes. The former midfielder specifically highlighted Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak as potential targets who could elevate the team’s offensive capabilities. If we had Victor Osimhen or the guy from Sporting, Viktor Gyokeres, trust me, we’d still be competing for the Premier League,” Mikel asserted.
The podcast discussion also shed light on Chelsea’s over-reliance on Cole Palmer, who has emerged as a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season. Mikel praised Palmer‘s impact while expressing concern about the team’s dependence on the young midfielder: “Without Cole Palmer I don’t know where we would’ve been this season, definitely not where we are right now, he’s carrying the team on his shoulders.
Chelsea’s current predicament in front of goal is highlighted by stark statistics, with Jackson managing just one goal in his last six appearances. This return falls well short of the standards set by Premier League elite strikers, as Mikel pointedly compared: “Look at Isak at Newcastle, he’s flying, that’s what we need.
The timing of Mikel’s comments is particularly pertinent as Chelsea enters a crucial phase of their season. While the team has shown ability to create chances, their finishing has repeatedly let them down. We are creating chances, we are still playing well, we are still doing the right things but we’re not clinical enough, we’re not scoring goals,” Mikel observed, highlighting the fundamental issue plaguing the team.
Looking ahead, Chelsea’s immediate schedule offers some respite, with an FA Cup tie against League Two side Morecambe presenting an opportunity for Jackson to rediscover his scoring touch. This will be followed by Premier League encounters with Bournemouth and Wolves at Stamford Bridge, matches that could prove crucial in building momentum and confidence.
The debate around Chelsea’s striking options reflects a broader challenge facing the club as they seek to reclaim their position among the Premier League’s elite. While Jackson showed early promise upon his arrival, Mikel’s assessment suggests that more firepower may be needed if Chelsea are to compete at the highest level consistently.
As the January transfer window progresses, the club’s response to these criticisms and their approach to strengthening their attacking options will be closely watched by supporters and pundits alike. Whether through supporting Jackson’s development or pursuing one of Mikel’s suggested targets, Chelsea’s striking solution could prove decisive in shaping their season’s trajectory.
