Nicolas Jackson has digested his failed transfer to Bournemouth. The latter, who was rejected after knee problems were detected, is showing a strength of character that we did not suspect in him. He is currently walking on water at Villarreal. The trigger to launch his career?
He also managed to convince Quique Setién, who didn't seem to count on him, by dint of self-sacrifice. The reason, he has been shining for some time, as evidenced by the number of goals he has scored in the last few games in La Liga. He did it again on Saturday with a double in Villarreal's 5-1 win over Bilbao. These goals were his 8th and 9th of the season in 22 games (10 of which started from the sidelines), and his 6th and 7th goals in 7 games. This gives him an interesting ratio of just under 1 goal every 2 games, minutes played/goals stats would be even more telling.
A talent announced, a delay in the ignition
Promised a bright future, the talent from Senegal and Casa Sport has been slow to integrate the first team of Villarreal. Last year, he was called up to the squad but did not play a significant role in the team. Nicolas Jackson played 7 games, including 3 in the middle of the season. He then disappeared from the team until the last 4, during which he played an average of 15 minutes. This beginning of the season seems to be the turning point in his career, with a successful preparation. He made the team and performed well in the pre-season games, which heralded an important role for him in the team. Some who knew of his talent were pleased, but considered his emergence late in view of his potential.
A promising start to the 2022-2023 season
He will intermittently confirm his potential for the current La Liga season. Nicolas Jackson alternates between starts and games on the bench between the 1st and the 15th day. He played in all but 1 game (with 7 starts and 7 substitute appearances). He scored 2 goals and had 2 assists, often playing as a winger. His talent is revealed to the football world with his speed, which he shows in the games of Villarreal. His performances earned him a call-up to the World Cup with Senegal. Despite his talent, he did not play an important role. This rather successful start to the season made England covet him assiduously. Bournemouth took the plunge and offered £21 million for him. But in the end the transfer did not happen. His return to Spain coincided with a hip injury that kept him out of action between rounds 16 and 27. Many who had criticised his mental deficiencies and his nonchalance did not think he would recover from this episode.
Nicolas Jackson: The surprise awakening
The 27th round, when he came on as a substitute, was the wake-up call for the Banjul native. He scored a goal off the bench. After two days without a goal (games started on the bench), since the 31st day, he has played five games with at least one goal each (with two doubles, including the one on Saturday). Nicolas Jackson finally confirms his talent. His coach Quique Setièn recently declared: "Jackson is a young boy, he is progressing, his potential, the qualities he has, it is extraordinary. Villarreal have a gem in him, without a doubt. Something that observers were not unaware of. The question is whether this end of the season will be the launch of Jackson's career, which has long been announced as a talent.
7 - Top 3 players to have scored the most goals in LaLiga since 1 April 2023:
7⃣ NICOLAS JACKSON 🇸🇳
7⃣ Valentín Castellanos 🇦🇷
6⃣ Karim Benzema 🇫🇷Star. pic.twitter.com/KrVAegyxmt
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 13, 2023
