Ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated match between Chelsea and Aston Villa, Unai Emery has taken the opportunity to reflect on his former player, Nicolas Jackson. As the two teams prepare to face off, Chelsea sits just three points ahead of Villa in the league, with both clubs vying for a spot in next season’s Champions League. Chelsea currently holds fourth place, while Villa occupies eighth. However, Villa enters the game with confidence, having won their last two visits to Stamford Bridge, and they will be eager to extend that streak to three.
The game will offer a reunion between Jackson and Emery, as the pair previously worked together for one season at Villarreal before Jackson made a high-profile £32 million transfer to Chelsea in the summer of 2023. Emery, who gave Jackson his debut at Villarreal, spoke fondly of the 23-year-old forward ahead of the upcoming clash. Jackson also expressed his gratitude towards Emery when he signed a two-year contract extension earlier this year, acknowledging the role the Villa boss played in his development.
In the lead-up to Sunday’s match, Emery shared his insights into the growth of Jackson’s game during their time together at Villarreal. He praised the Senegalese forward for his dedication and work ethic, explaining that Jackson’s talent began to shine through during pre-season. Initially, Jackson started with the U21 team, but as he progressively trained with the senior squad, his potential became evident. “He was starting the pre-season with the U21s, and when he was gradually joining us for training, he was showing his potential,” Emery told Sky Sports.
Emery emphasized that during their year together, they worked diligently on refining Jackson’s skills and improving his understanding of the game. The aim was to help Jackson fully exploit his potential, while gaining valuable experience on the pitch. “We worked for a year on his skill, and he improved his understanding. He learned how to exploit his potential more effectively. Playing more minutes and gaining experience was the next step for him,” said Emery.
Beyond Jackson’s technical development, Emery highlighted the forward’s exemplary attitude as a key factor in his progress. “His attitude was fantastic,” Emery continued. “He was always eager to learn. He constantly pushed himself to train harder, to stay focused, and to be a professional in everything he did, both on and off the pitch. He treated football as his top priority in life.” Emery noted that Jackson’s commitment to the sport outside of training, including his focus at home, was a significant part of his rapid development.
According to Emery, Jackson’s continued dedication and professionalism have paid off, as evidenced by his move to Chelsea. The forward has adapted quickly to life in the Premier League, and although he faced some challenges last season, he has steadily improved. “He adapted quickly last year, but even when the performances weren’t always there, he was getting better with each game. Now, we’re beginning to see the results of his hard work.”
Jackson has enjoyed a breakout season, with his performances earning praise from pundits and former players alike. Martin Keown, for example, recently described Jackson as one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League, a testament to his rapid rise. As Chelsea prepares to face Villa, Jackson will be looking to add to his growing tally of goals, with the added motivation of facing his former manager.
In conclusion, the upcoming Chelsea vs. Aston Villa match promises to be a highly exciting encounter, with Nicolas Jackson eager to show the progress he has made since working under Unai Emery. With both teams in the hunt for Champions League qualification, Jackson’s development and potential could play a key role in the outcome of this crucial fixture.