Nicolas Jackson’s start t the 2024/25 season has left Chelsea fans buzzing as the the Blues seem to be on the come-up after a poor debut season.
Under new manager Enzo Maresca, the Senegalese striker has transformed into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers, delivering performances that seem a world away from his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
It’s almost as if he’s been reborn—his finishing sharper, his positioning more lethal, and his confidence soaring.
In the 2023/24 campaign, Jackson arrived with a lot of expectation after a standout spell at Villarreal. However the excitement didn’t really translate into performances.
Despite his pace and ability to find space, Jackson’s first season at Chelsea was underwhelming, marred by inconsistent performances and a notorious lack of clinical finishing.
Jackson managed 17 goals in 44 games in his debut season, while these numbers might look good on the surface, the reality lies in the xG. The striker underperformed his xG by almost 6 goals, and that’s only in the Prem, showing that there was much left to be desired from his finishing capabilities.
Fans and pundits alike were frustrated at the number of missed chances, as the striker got into the right positions but struggled to convert, Jackson often seemed just a step away from finding the back of the net.
As the season went on, the criticism mounted. The term “raw talent” was frequently used, and his failure to excel converted into memes and added pressure on the 23 year old.
That was last seasons story, with the 24/25 Premier League season underway something has shifted.
Under Maresca’s guidance, Jackson suddenly looked like a player transformed. His finishing, once the weak link in his game, has become precise and deadly.
Jackson already has 4 goals to him in just 6 games, and along with that 2 assists as well. His xG numbers are one of the highest amongst strikers in the league showing that he now creates and also converts his chances.
He also looks the most involved under Maresca’s set up alongside Cole Palmer, and is most definitely going to be the no. 9 he has the most faith in.
His awareness in front of goal, which had often deserted him in his debut season, returned with a vengeance. This was no longer the same Jackson who had struggled to make an impact the year before. This was a player who seemed driven by a new sense of purpose.
Speculations continue to grow as to what caused this resurgence over a short summer break. Was it simply down to the tactical adjustments under Maresca, who had seemingly unlocked a different side of Jackson? Or was there something more personal, something beyond football, guiding his form?
As Jackson continues to impress a recent image has surfaced on social media piquing the curiosity of fans.
In what looks to be a post-match photo taken in the dressing room, Jackson, still in his sliders, was seen wearing ankle beads. On his right leg there seems to be a string with red beads and a string of darker coloured beads on his left.
There’s been no previous public knowledge of Jackson wearing these beads, and naturally, questions arose. Are these beads new, or have they been a part of his routine all along?
Culturally, beads carry significant meaning in West African traditions. They can symbolize protection, strength, and spiritual grounding. Sometimes beads are also used to ward of negativity, aiming to bring good fortune.
It’s also reported that the colour of beads can also have significance. Red is supposed to signify bravery and blue— energy.
Could Jackson’s new-found composure on the pitch be linked to this? While there’s no definitive proof of when he began wearing them, it’s possible they were introduced as a form of spiritual support during his time off in the summer break, perhaps marking a mental reset after his turbulent first season.
There’s no confirmation that Jackson wears these beads during games. The only evidence is the dressing-room photo.
But one thing is certain: his performances this season have felt different, more focused, as if he’s playing with an inner calm and clarity that was missing before.
Whether it’s simply the result of Maresca’s tactical influence or a spiritual element tied to these beads, the change in Jackson is undeniable.
As fans, we can continue to speculate whether the beads are symbolic, representing a shift in mindset for the striker or just a simple accessory— a personal choice without any deeper meaning.
