Premier League legend Alan Shearer has urged Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson to aim for a 20-goal season as he continues his development at the club. Shearer, who remains the all-time top scorer in the Premier League, believes the young Senegalese forward is showing improvement and has the potential to reach new heights under Chelsea’s current management.
Jackson, who endured a mixed debut season, has started to display his talent under the guidance of Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Shearer feels that despite his progress, Jackson still has more to learn if he is to become a consistent goal scorer at the top level.
“Nicolas Jackson is getting better and improving, but there’s still a way to go.
He’s still learning, he’s still raw, but in terms of his ability, there’s lots you can see that he can work at to reach the next level,” Shearer said in an interview with Betfair, quoted by The Mirror.
Shearer praised the 22-year-old’s work rate and determination but noted that Jackson’s inconsistency in front of goal remains a key area for improvement.
The former Newcastle United striker, who scored a record 260 Premier League goals, emphasized the importance of consistency, stating that Jackson still misses too many chances.
“He does still miss a lot of chances, but that’s going to happen. The important thing is, he is improving.
It’s a work in progress, but he’s looking a lot better when I compare him to last season,” Shearer remarked.
Jackson, who managed 14 goals in the Premier League last season, is starting to show flashes of his potential, but Shearer believes that setting a 20-goal target would be a key milestone in the player’s development.
Achieving that, according to Shearer, would elevate Jackson’s status and put him among the league’s top forwards.
“The 20-goal mark must be his target, considering he managed 14 Premier League goals last season.
Once he’s done that, and I think he will do that, then the next step is to do it season after season, which then becomes more difficult because everyone knows who and what you are,” Shearer added.
While Chelsea has struggled with inconsistency in recent times, Jackson has been seen as one of the bright prospects in their forward line.
His blend of pace, strength, and technical skill has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top strikers, though it remains to be seen whether he can achieve the consistency required to succeed at the highest level.
Shearer’s comments serve as both praise and challenge for Jackson, as the young striker continues his journey at Stamford Bridge.
For Chelsea, a forward capable of scoring 20 goals in a season would be a crucial asset as they look to re-establish themselves among the Premier League’s elite.
As Jackson continues to develop, Shearer’s words will likely serve as motivation for the Senegal international to push himself further and fulfill the potential that so many in the footballing world see in him.
