Former Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, believes Nicolas Jackson has dropped to third in the club’s striker hierarchy following the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this summer.
After serving as the Blues’ main centre-forward for two seasons, Jackson now faces stiff competition with Chelsea strengthening their attacking options during the transfer window.
Delap, who joined from Ipswich Town in a £30million deal, has already made an impact, finding the back of the net in the FIFA Club World Cup opener against ES Tunis.
Although the England U21 forward missed the semi-final clash with Fluminense due to suspension, his performances have turned heads.
Pedro, meanwhile, made a statement in his first Chelsea start, scoring a brace against his former side in a 2-0 semi-final victory.
The Brazilian, who arrived from Brighton for £60million just last week, showcased his quality in front of goal, underlining his readiness for the big stage under new boss Enzo Maresca.
Jackson began that match on the bench and had a moment to forget after coming on in the second half, squandering a key opportunity.
His decision not to pass to Cole Palmer, who voiced his frustration, added to what was a difficult evening for the Senegalese forward.
Mikel, who has long advocated for increased competition in Chelsea’s forward line, now believes the Blues finally have the attacking depth they need with Jackson, Delap, and Pedro all vying for one position.
“It is important we have competition in the team, it is very important when you play for a big club and you are competing for trophies and that is what we have got now,” Mikel told DAZN (via Metro).
“Three good strikers competing for one position. With Delap and Joao, that competition is going to push the players to go extra hard.
“But I still think Jackson has a big part to play, he just needs to sort out himself in terms of discipline and what he wants to do here.
“But I just think with his performance here today, Joao and Delap are probably ahead of him right now.”
Chelsea are now through to the Club World Cup final, where they will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.
The London club will be eyeing their second title in the competition, having lifted the trophy in 2021.