Drogba regen at Chelsea Nicolas Jackson confesses, vows to be better

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has accepted he should have scored more goals in his debut campaign but remains determined to improve after a mixed first year at Stamford Bridge.

The Senegalese forward, nicknamed the "Drogba Regen" by Blues fans early in the season, is the club's second-highest scorer with 16 goals across all competitions.

However, Jackson feels he missed too many big chances, exemplified by his ranking third in the Premier League for big chances missed this term with 21.

"It's good, but not what I wanted to be when I came - to play Champions League next season."

Despite his struggles in front of goal at times, the 22-year-old maintains his priority is helping Chelsea succeed as a team.

Chelsea's ninth place in the Premier League means they failed to qualify for any European competition, a huge disappointment for a club of their stature.

Jackson acknowledged that failure, saying: "Everything happens for a reason and we try to fight next year."

The former Villarreal man is already looking ahead to making amends in the 2024/25 campaign after a baptism of fire in his first season in English football's spotlight.

"Trying to improve every day. The most important [thing] is being available for the team, helping the team and playing," Jackson said.

While he was not quite the "New Drogba" many hoped, Jackson showed enough flashes of potential to suggest he can yet live up to that billing if he can become more clinical.

With Chelsea undergoing another summer rebuild, the young Senegalese will be keen to take the chance to properly announce himself in his second season in West London.

If he can cut out the profligacy in front of the goal, Jackson's pace, link-up play, power and work rate could make him a handful for Premier League defenses next term.