October 31st 2024.
Nicolas Jackson has had a remarkable start to the season with Chelsea. Former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly believes that Jackson has the potential to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or in the future, as long as he continues to work hard and fulfill his immense talent. Despite receiving criticism for his lack of consistency after his £32 million move from Villarreal, Jackson proved his worth by scoring 14 goals in his debut season in the Premier League.
Many young players would have struggled under the intense scrutiny, but Jackson has bounced back and silenced his doubters this season. He has already scored six goals and provided three assists in the English top flight. Jackson will undoubtedly be eager to continue his impressive run when Chelsea faces off against Manchester United at Old Trafford, a team currently without a manager.
Koulibaly, who himself had a brief stint with Chelsea before moving to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, understands the pressure that comes with playing for the Blues. He is delighted to see his fellow countryman rise from a difficult start and become a key player under new manager Enzo Maresca. The two often speak as they are also international teammates, and Koulibaly has been giving Jackson advice on how to handle the high expectations at Chelsea.
"Nicolas can be a very good player. Edouard Mendy and I often talk to him because we know how difficult it is to join a big club like Chelsea after playing for Villarreal. I give him a lot of advice because he deserves it, and he listens to his elders," Koulibaly shared in an interview with GiveMeSport.
The Senegal attacker has already scored six goals and provided three assists in the league this season. Koulibaly believes that Jackson has the potential to become one of the best players in the world if he gains more self-confidence. "I hope he will continue to score. For all strikers, life is about scoring goals and Nicolas is no different. He has a good attitude and personality, and I believe he can become the story of Senegal, just like Sadio Mane did. I always tell him to follow Mane's example," Koulibaly added.
"Nicolas has to believe that he can be the best player in Africa and one of the best in the world, and then he will become one of the best in the world. He has to continue working hard because with hard work, he can achieve anything. I hope he will at least achieve what Mane did and be in the top three for the Ballon d'Or. That would be truly amazing for him," Koulibaly continued.
Koulibaly also enjoyed his brief spell in the Premier League with Chelsea but has no regrets about leaving for Saudi Arabia a year ago. "I enjoyed my time at Chelsea, although it was short. I couldn't show my full potential, but I am happy for them now. The club is in a better place, and things are going well," he shared.
"I still keep in touch with many players at Chelsea, including Nicolas. I am happy to see them performing at this level. They have had a few difficult years, but under Enzo Maresca, there is a new stability. Maybe we will even meet in the Club World Cup next summer," he added.
While Koulibaly may have had a short stint at Chelsea, he has no regrets about his career. "Throughout my career, I have no regrets. I was happy to be a part of Chelsea, but now my focus is on Al-Hilal," he shared.
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