Paul Merson Picks Between Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku for Chelsea’s No.9 Role
Paul Merson, former Arsenal midfielder and prominent football pundit, has added his voice to the ongoing debate over who should lead Chelsea’s attack between Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku. With Chelsea’s squad boasting remarkable depth, particularly in their attacking options, the battle for the coveted No.9 spot has divided fans. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has openly stated that both Jackson and Nkunku are competing for the role of central striker, yet the decision remains a point of contention.
This season, Chelsea have shown considerable promise, and both Jackson and Nkunku have delivered impressive performances. Jackson, 23, currently holds the starting striker position in the Premier League and has already scored four goals in five matches. His energetic displays have caught the eye of many, including Chelsea legend Pat Nevin, who believes the young striker could hit the 20-goal mark in the league this season. Meanwhile, Nkunku has also been in fine form, netting six goals in eight appearances across all competitions.
However, Paul Merson has made it clear that he supports the club’s decision to stick with Jackson as their starting striker, at least for now. Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson said, “No disrespect to Christopher Nkunku, but his hat-trick in midweek came against Barrow and it’s expected of him to put these teams to the sword. I still prefer Nicolas Jackson, he’s not a bad player. Last year, he was young and he had to play every week since they had no one else. His finishing was good against West Ham, I back him to get even better with time.”
Merson’s opinion underlines a broader discussion within the Chelsea fanbase, one that has yet to be fully resolved. While Nkunku, 26, offers versatility and has proven himself as a top-level performer, his recent goal-scoring spree came against lower-league opposition, which some argue makes Jackson a better candidate for leading the line in the Premier League.
One question that keeps surfacing is whether Chelsea could accommodate both Jackson and Nkunku in the same starting XI. Maresca has so far treated them as direct competitors for the central striker role, but there may be a possibility of seeing them together on the pitch. Nkunku’s adaptability could see him drop into the No.10 role, where he has previously excelled, allowing him to play just behind Jackson. This tactical shift would likely move Cole Palmer to the wing, creating a dynamic and versatile attacking unit.
Jackson’s current form, combined with his raw potential, has many Chelsea fans excited about his future. His growth since last season, when he was thrown into the deep end due to the club’s limited striker options, is evident. As Merson pointed out, “His finishing was good against West Ham,” and the general consensus seems to be that Jackson will only improve further with consistent game time.
Nkunku, however, remains a serious contender. The 26-year-old Frenchman has the technical ability and flair to influence games from a variety of positions. His goal-scoring record speaks for itself, and Chelsea fans will undoubtedly expect him to make his case for the starting role as the season progresses.
While Merson may lean toward Jackson for now, the competition between the two forwards is healthy for Chelsea. It ensures that whoever is leading the attack is constantly pushed to perform at their best, knowing that they have an equally talented teammate vying for the same spot. For Maresca, it’s a good problem to have, with both players bringing different attributes to the team.
Paul Merson Picks Between Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku for Chelsea’s No.9 Role
