Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson has been crowned the best Senegalese footballer playing abroad for the 2023/2024 season.
The Chelsea forward has outshined many other players with his remarkable performances, earning him this prestigious honor. Jackson’s consistency on the field, his crucial goals, and numerous assists have made him an essential figure for both his club and country.
Stellar Form for Chelsea and Senegal
Since joining Chelsea, Jackson has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League. The 23-year-old attacker has been integral in Chelsea’s attack, contributing significantly to their success this season. His versatility and technical ability have not only benefited Chelsea but also strengthened the Senegalese national team. Jackson’s ability to both score and assist has placed him among the best Senegalese players in international football.
Last season, Jackson’s performance for Chelsea was outstanding. In 44 matches across all competitions, he was involved in 23 goals, scoring 17 goals and providing 6 assists. This level of productivity quickly cemented his position as Chelsea’s first-choice striker under Mauricio Pochettino. For the 2023/2024 season, Jackson has already tallied 8 goal contributions in 8 matches, scoring 5 goals and registering 3 assists. His consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments have made him a standout player this season.
Surpassing Contenders in the Voting Process
Jackson secured this prestigious award through an overwhelming number of votes, surpassing notable contenders. He garnered 203 votes, comfortably ahead of former Chelsea teammate Kalidou Koulibaly, now at Al-Hilal, who received 167 votes. Coming in third was Cheriff Ndiaye, a forward for Red Star Belgrade, who managed 47 votes.
The voting process highlights the immense respect and admiration Jackson has earned for his contributions both at Chelsea and on the international stage. His consistent goal-scoring ability, combined with his leadership qualities on the pitch, made him the obvious choice for the award.
Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano took to social media to acknowledge Jackson’s achievement, posting on X (formerly known as Twitter):
“Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been voted the best Senegalese player playing abroad for 2023/2024. 203 votes for Jackson, 167 votes for Kalidou Koulibaly, and Cherif Ndiaye with 47 votes.”
Overcoming Snub from African Player of the Year Shortlist
Despite his impressive form for Chelsea and Senegal, Nicolas Jackson faced a significant disappointment when he was excluded from the final shortlist for the African Player of the Year award. His exclusion came as a surprise, especially considering his remarkable first season at Chelsea, where he netted 17 goals and solidified his position as the club’s main striker.
Several big names, including Mohamed Salah and West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, also missed out on the final shortlist, while players such as Achraf Hakimi, Amine Gouiri, and Ademola Lookman were among those nominated. This snub, however, does not diminish Jackson’s remarkable achievements on the pitch, and many believe he will continue to push for recognition in future editions of the African Player of the Year award.
Looking Ahead: Maintaining Momentum for Chelsea
Jackson’s current season has been nothing short of phenomenal. Under the management of Enzo Maresca, Jackson has continued his fine form, scoring five goals in just nine appearances so far. His ability to link up with teammates and convert opportunities into goals has made him one of the most reliable forwards in Chelsea’s lineup.
With the Premier League campaign underway, Jackson is focused on maintaining his form and continuing to lead Chelsea’s attack. He has been given a brief rest during Chelsea’s second match in the Conference League but is expected to return to the starting lineup when Chelsea faces Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.
Nicolas Jackson: The Future of Senegalese Football
Jackson’s rise to prominence serves as an inspiration to many aspiring footballers from Senegal. His technical ability, coupled with his work ethic and determination, has earned him admiration from fans and peers alike. As Senegal’s leading striker, Jackson is poised to play a crucial role in the national team’s future campaigns, with eyes set on major international tournaments.
By winning the title of the best Senegalese player abroad for the 2023/2024 season, Nicolas Jackson has solidified his place among Senegal’s footballing elite. His success both domestically and internationally is a testament to his dedication and talent. As he continues to develop and thrive at Chelsea, Jackson is likely to be in contention for even greater accolades in the future.
Nicolas Jackson’s exceptional performances for Chelsea and Senegal have rightfully earned him the title of the best Senegalese player playing abroad for 2023/2024. His ability to consistently deliver on the field, combined with his leadership and technical skill, has made him a key player in both club and international football. As Jackson continues to excel, he is sure to remain a dominant figure in African and global football for years to come.
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