Former Arsenal and England forward Theo Walcott has offered advice to Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, urging the young forward to sharpen his instincts inside the box by scoring more “tap-ins.” Walcott believes this adjustment could significantly elevate Jackson’s game as he continues to grow in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old Senegalese international, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, has netted 12 goals in 32 appearances for the Blues in his debut season. While Jackson has impressed with his work rate and movement, Walcott insists that improving his positioning for simpler finishes will be crucial for his development.
“If there is one thing to improve for Nicolas Jackson, it would be those tap-ins,” Walcott said in a recent episode of the Premier League’s YouTube show, as quoted by Chelsea Chronicle. “He always has so many chances. He creates space for other players as well.”
A Striker with Raw Potential
Jackson’s season at Stamford Bridge has seen him display flashes of brilliance and plenty of energy, although he has also drawn criticism for his composure in front of goal. However, Walcott sees great potential in the Senegalese forward, especially in how he supports his teammates.
“He brings out the best in Cole Palmer; I think that is quite clear to see,” Walcott continued. “Yes, he could get his numbers even higher. But I’d be asking questions of him if he wasn’t even getting into those positions in the first place.”
Walcott emphasized that Jackson’s willingness to run into channels and stretch defenses is a key trait of modern-day forwards, but insisted that focusing on simple, close-range finishes could significantly improve his overall goal tally.
“The modern-day strikers like to get involved more in the game. Nicolas Jackson, he can hold the ball up quite well, but he is not afraid of going a long period of time without touching the ball because he still makes runs and keeps you occupied,” Walcott explained.
Adjusting to the Premier League
Jackson’s transition from La Liga to the Premier League has not been without challenges. Known for his pace and physicality during his time at Villarreal, the forward has had to adapt to a faster and more physical style of play in England. Despite that, he has managed to score in key moments for Chelsea and earn praise from both fans and pundits.
Under the guidance of Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino, Jackson has grown in confidence and is gradually learning the nuances of English football. His ability to link up with playmaker Cole Palmer, who has enjoyed a stellar season himself, has been a standout feature of Chelsea’s attack.
“What he [Jackson] does well is create space and open up the game for others. But to be among the top strikers in the league, he needs to add those simple finishes to his game,” said Premier League pundit and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto.
The Importance of ‘Tap-Ins’
In modern football, many of the world’s top forwards — such as Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, and Harry Kane — have built their reputation not just on spectacular goals, but on their ability to be in the right place at the right time.
“Tap-ins,” or simple finishes from close range, often reflect a striker’s positional awareness, anticipation, and timing. While they may not always be glamorous, they are crucial for consistent goal-scoring.
“The best strikers know how to score the ugly goals,” said former England striker Darren Bent. “It’s not always about worldies. The ones who reach 20+ goals a season are the ones who hang around the six-yard box and react the quickest.”
This is precisely the area Walcott believes Jackson must focus on if he is to reach elite status in English football.
Chelsea’s Long-Term Vision
Chelsea’s investment in young talent like Jackson is part of a broader long-term project to rebuild a competitive squad. The club has placed its faith in promising stars, hoping that with the right coaching and patience, players like Jackson will mature into top performers.
So far, the signs are encouraging. Jackson has demonstrated resilience, tactical intelligence, and a willingness to improve — qualities that could help him evolve into a complete striker in the coming seasons.
“He’s got all the tools. Now it’s about fine-tuning,” said former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. “If he listens and keeps learning, there’s no reason why he can’t become a 20-goal-a-season player.”
What Lies Ahead
With just a few games left in the season, Jackson will be looking to finish strong and contribute to Chelsea’s push for a higher finish in the Premier League table. The Blues are currently battling to secure a spot in European competition and will need their attacking players at their best.
Fans will be watching closely to see whether Jackson can continue his upward trajectory and take Walcott’s advice to heart. His ability to improve his movement inside the box and add more clinical finishes to his arsenal could prove crucial in determining his long-term success at Stamford Bridge.
Conclusion
As Chelsea builds for the future, Nicolas Jackson remains a player full of promise and potential. Former pros like Theo Walcott see in him the raw materials of a top-tier striker — one who can dominate the Premier League if he masters the art of scoring from close range.
With the support of Pochettino, the guidance of seasoned professionals, and the hunger to improve, Jackson’s journey is just beginning. And if he can turn tap-ins into trophies, Chelsea may have unearthed their next striking sensation.
