What's the take on this lad then? He looks like a decent striker who can do everything but score. Is it a case of 'it will come' or are we looking at another Werner?
Early days still but in my opinion Jackson's general play up until now has been better than early 20/21 Werner.
I know some people harbor a deep dislike for xG stats but Jackson's numbers there look really good, though it has to be said the sample size is still quite small. Of all players in the league who've been even semi-regulars for their team, playing half of the available minutes or more, Jackson's overall xG and xG/90 are both second highest in the PL only behind the freak of nature Haaland. Werner's underlying numbers were never quite as impressive, whether we inspect only his first 5-10 games or the whole 20/21 season.
Last night Jackson had a really good link up with Palmer who played closely behind him. In most games this season now that Nkunku's been out we've had players like Gallagher or Enzo playing the no10 role. They are both players who naturally tend to play the role more like a midfielder rather than a forward so Jackson hasn't really had anyone to link up with in or around the box but against Brighton he seemed to have a pretty good understanding with Palmer so I'm hoping that's something to build on.
To me his problems in front of goal look more like a confidence issue and lack of experience rather than lacking the skills needed so I'd like to think the goals will come eventually but it remains to be seen how things will work out.
Aside from the finishing that needs improving he seems to have some discipline issues too. Getting five yellow cards and a suspension in your first 6 league games is not a particularly great look on the lad.