Jackson or Nkunku? Both offer distinct qualities.
Image credit: VAR
Chelsea is facing an exciting dilemma for manager Enzo Maresca: deciding whether to start Jackson or Nkunku as the team’s main forward.
Both players offer distinct qualities that can influence Chelsea’s attacking style.
So, who should start? Let’s dive into their stats, roles, and how they fit Maresca’s tactics to answer that question.
Jackson 🆚 Nkunku pic.twitter.com/pW33g1ddVQ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 25, 2024
Christopher Nkunku: Creativity and Versatility
Christopher Nkunku arrived at Chelsea with high expectations, known for his technical ability and flexibility across attacking positions.
Since joining the Blues, he’s been deployed as both a forward and an attacking midfielder, adapting well to various roles in the team.
In the 2024/25 Premier League season, Nkunku has featured in 4 matches, scoring 1 goal. While his goal tally may seem modest, his overall contribution to the team’s play has been significant.
Nkunku boasts an impressive 96% passing accuracy, highlighting his role in maintaining possession and connecting play in the final third.
Additionally, with an xG (expected goals) of 0.79 per game, he consistently finds himself in good scoring positions, suggesting that his numbers could improve with more game time.
Nkunku’s creativity truly shone in Chelsea’s 5-0 victory over Barrow in the EFL Cup, where he netted a hat-trick.
His sharp movement and clinical finishing in this game demonstrated his ability to be a game-changer when given space and opportunities. His versatility and technical prowess make him a valuable asset, particularly in matches where Chelsea needs to unlock compact defenses.
Nicolas Jackson: Pace and Work Rate
On the other hand, Nicolas Jackson has quickly established himself as a key figure in Chelsea’s attack this season. His direct style of play, combined with relentless work rate, has made him a favorite under Enzo Maresca.
In the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Jackson has featured in all the game, contributing 4 goals and 2 assists, thus, proving to be Chelsea’s most reliable forward in front of goal.
What sets Jackson apart is his ability to stretch defenses with his pace and physicality. His pressing game and ability to disrupt opposition defenders have made him a vital component of Chelsea’s high-intensity system.
Whether running in behind or harassing defenders to win back possession, Jackson’s energy is unmatched, making him especially valuable in games that require a high press and quick transitions.
Moreover, Jackson’s positional awareness and finishing have been standout features of his play, allowing him to capitalize on chances created by his teammates.
His combination of athleticism and sharp goal-scoring instincts makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses. This was obvious in the West Ham match.
As a result, Jackson’s form has cemented his role as Chelsea’s go-to forward in big matches, where his pace and work rate are key to breaking down stronger defensive lines.
Enzo Maresca’s Tactical Preferences
Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, has implemented a tactical system that emphasizes high-intensity pressing, quick transitions, and fluid positional play.
While both Nkunku and Jackson bring distinct qualities to the team, Maresca’s selections often reflect his desire for versatility and energy, particularly in high-stakes matches.
Jackson’s work rate and ability to press from the front align perfectly with Maresca’s tactical philosophy. His speed and stamina allow Chelsea to press aggressively, forcing opponents into mistakes and creating turnovers in dangerous areas.
In games where Chelsea faces teams with a high defensive line or those that like to build from the back, Jackson’s ability to hound defenders makes him an ideal starter. His athleticism and pace are critical to keeping up the pressure and initiating quick counter-attacks.
Nkunku, on the other hand, offers a more creative edge, making him an asset in games where Chelsea needs to break down compact, organized defenses.
His sharp movement between the lines, ability to link play, and precision in the final third make him a more suitable option against teams that sit back and defend deep.
In such scenarios, Maresca could favor Nkunku for his vision and ability to unlock defenses with clever passes or key positioning around the box.
Speaking about his two forwards in his post-match interview after the Barrow match, Maresca said:
They’re both doing fantastic. Not only because they score, but because they work off the ball. The way they sacrifice for the team. This is very important for them.
This is a nice problem when you have two strikers that continue to score. It’s nice you can decide which one and because they are in a good moment we can use them.
While Maresca hasn’t openly favored one player over the other, his tactical setups often indicate that Jackson’s pressing ability and pace are crucial in fast-paced matches.
Nkunku, meanwhile, could be the preferred choice when Chelsea needs a bit more creativity and technical finesse to break down stubborn defenses.
When to Start Jackson or Nkunku?
Deciding who should start between Nkunku and Jackson ultimately comes down to the type of opposition Chelsea is facing.
Both players bring different strengths that can be leveraged based on the tactical requirements of each match.
In high-tempo games against teams that play with a high defensive line or try to dominate possession, Nicolas Jackson’s pace, pressing ability, and physicality make him the ideal choice. His ability to stretch defenses, disrupt opposition play, and make quick transitions would be key in breaking down such teams.
Jackson thrives in matches that require high energy and constant movement, making him a perfect fit for Chelsea’s press-and-counter tactics under Enzo Maresca.
However, when Chelsea is up against defensively compact teams that prefer to sit back and absorb pressure, Christopher Nkunku becomes the more valuable asset. His vision, technical ability, and creative edge give Chelsea a different dimension in attack.
Nkunku’s ability to drift into pockets of space, link up with midfielders, and create goal-scoring opportunities would be crucial in unlocking tight defenses. His flair for scoring and assisting in tight spaces could prove to be the difference in games where breaking down the opponent is a challenge.
Ultimately, Nkunku and Jackson are complementary players, and their selection should be based on the tactical needs of each game.
Using both players strategically would give Chelsea the best chance of success across various match scenarios.