London is Blue Dispatch #009

[Editor’s Note: We’re back with a second consecutive week of London is Blue Dispatches, and more of Sam’s musings from Chelsea’s 1-1 draw vs. Liverpool.

If you’re planning to purchase the new, sponsorless home kit — now available from the Chelsea Megastore!! – please consider using our affiliate link! It helps the pod and it’s another free way to help throw us your support. OK, pitch over, enjoy the newsletter! – Dan]

All Eyes on Enzo

It was hard to watch the Liverpool game without being captivated by Enzo Fernandez. Every long pass he made was struck with a balance that bordered on divine harmony – think cheese and wine, or asado and chimichurri, take your pick. But while Enzo masterfully controlled the game and honored Cesc Fabregas in front of the Stamford Bridge faithful, another player threatened to emerge from Enzo's shadow during his competitive debut. Nicolas Jackson's SofaScore rating was a worrying shade of red (he missed three of Chelsea's four big chances), but over the 90 minutes, he too showed glimpses reminiscent of another Chelsea legend, even though it largely went unnoticed.

Late Bloomers

At age 15, Diego Costa worked in his uncle’s store and had not yet received professional coaching. By 21, the age Jackson was when he joined Chelsea, Costa had scored only eight first division goals. He had been loaned out to three second-division teams, and the only first division team he represented had been relegated. There are stories of him considering terminating his contract at Albacete due to the quality of players and the city's lack of a beach. And did I mention his four-month ban for slapping an opponent? Classic Diego Costa.

Yet on the pitch, a 19-year-old Costa played for Valladolid, showing just a hint of the powerhouse that would later dominate at Stamford Bridge. Interestingly, he often played as a wide forward, displaying great acceleration and a skill for scoring from tight angles. Despite radiating the unpredictable energy of a young Mario Balotelli, many clubs saw potential in his unorthodox, action-packed style. The idea of a Brazilian teenager, street-football trained with no academy education, looking to become a center-forward in one of the world's top leagues might have seemed absurd. But Spain eventually saw his potential, naturalizing him for their national team.

It wasn't until his final season at Atletico that Costa consistently found the back of the net, scoring more than 10 goals in a league season for the first time. Yet, the same man who famously told Roman Abramovich to “pay, not speak” regarding another forward eventually convinced him to purchase Costa. It's no surprise Abramovich complied.

No Mercy for Merseyside

With Enzo's every touch, it was as if angels sang. Meanwhile, Jackson exhibited the same kind of audacious play that Costa was known for. He charged past Ibrahima Konate, holding his own even when they clashed shoulder-to-shoulder. Instead of being pushed away or falling easily, Jackson powered through Konate with one hand before taking a shot at Alisson.

In the first half, facing Konate once again, Jackson executed a double move, sending the defender the wrong way but then misfiring high over the bar. Despite these missed opportunities, Liverpool's defense was clearly wary of him. As the match neared its end, Jackson left Konate scrambling, so much so that the Frenchman nearly ripped Jackson's kit as the ball passed to Mudryk on the side. While the pass was slightly off, it showcased Jackson's potential threat.

Like Costa, Jackson began his formal football training late, around the age of 16, after moving from The Gambia to Senegal. He made his European debut just three years ago and had played only 35 top-flight league matches before Sunday, all within the past two years. Initially a winger, Jackson's recent transition to center-forward can be likened to mastering the katana and then suddenly switching to nunchucks. The transition is jarring, and there will be a learning curve. But Jackson's unique combination of a winger's speed in a center-forward's physique might be exactly what Chelsea needs to shake off their notorious striker curse.

[Editor’s Note: If you have comments, feedback, suggestions, or questions for a future newsletter, shoot us an email: [email protected]. See you all next week!]