Nicholas Jackson to Aston Villa: Ollie
Aston Villa have signed Nicholas Jackson in record deal. Stats show how the 'No 9' role could change if Ollie Watkins moves to Al-Hilal. The Emery–Jackson link was introduced from Villarreal; Jackson is distinguished by high dutch, progressive runs, high press.
Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa: Ollie
According to Bbc.
Background
Jackson recorded 11 goals and 3 assists in 1,320 minutes at Bayern Munich last season. He has surpassed Watkins' stats by providing 1.0 goal participation per 90 minutes. As such, he has the potential to become Villa's new 'No. 9'.
Why this matters
Nicholas Jackson is an important addition to the Aston Villa club, especially in the wake of Ollie Watkins' move to the Saudi Pro League side. Jackson, with his attacking skills, has the potential to change Villa's game and could become a new 'No 9'. Thus, Villa has a high chance of reaching the top spot in the Premier League this year.
Key Points
- Nicolas Jackson signs for Aston Villa: Ollie.
- Aston Villa sign Nicholas Jackson in record deal.
- Nicolas Jackson joins Aston Villa: How striker compares with Ollie Watkins - BBC Sport.
Aston Villa have confirmed Nicholas Jackson in a deal valued at up to £65m; Against this backdrop, Ollie Watkins' move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal seems to have been refined. Unai Emery's Villa are in the midst of major changes this summer — key players including Morgan Rodgers, Ezri Kanza, Youri Dielmans and Lucas Digne have left the club; Jackson is one of the new additions along with Yohan Manzambi, Joao Gomez, Sion Suzuki and Matteo Ruggeri. Villa went down 0–4 against Brighton on the opening weekend, with Watkins out (Tommy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Maggio also injured), and Emiliano Puentes without a natural 'No 9' to fill the gap. In this case, Jackson from Chelsea — despite Manzambi — has become Villa's record signing.
But Jackson was not just a 'Watkins retaliation'; Their style is different. Last season at Bayern Munich he recorded 11 goals, 3 assists in 1,320 minutes and averaged 1.0 goals per 90 minutes. Watkins has 21 goals, 5 assists in 3,837 minutes for Villa — 0.6 per 90 minutes. Jackson creates more attacking attempts per 90 minutes with 3.8 shots (Watkins 2.6), 2.2 shots on target (1.2) and 8.5 dunks (5.6) inside the opposition box. xG-Altitude: 0.7 (Watkins 0.5). Jackson (0.55) ranks next to Erling Haaland in 'non-penalty xG' among those who have played at least 5,000 minutes since January 2020.
At the same time, doubts about the finish continue to haunt him. He scored 14 goals at 18.7 xG for Chelsea in 2023–24 and 10 goals at 12.3 xG the following season. In England the 'Big Chance' converted only 18 of 61; Watkins is 24 of 73. However, Jackson's shot conversion rate last season was 19.6%, Watkins' 18.9%; 40.9% vs 43.2% not much difference in 'Big Chance' conversion. Key Note: Jackson was the starter only 15 times in 34 appearances; Fewer minutes could make the 'par-90' numbers appear inflated.
Although both are often used as central strikers (4-2-3-1), there is a big difference in the way they interact with the ball. Jackson open-play Dutch 46.6 per 90 minutes (Watkins 29.5); Passes 24 (11.6). Shot completed carries 1.6 (0.8), successful take-ons 1.6 (0.82), passes to penalty area 2.5 (0.7). The Dutch maps also confirm this: Watkins mostly in central areas in the final third, while Jackson receives the ball in various attacking zones. In a 10-season sample of Europe's top 5 leagues, Jackson 'Sans Creation' 85th percentile, 'Progressive Cares' 77, 'Dutch' 73; Watkins 28, 53, 8 respectively.
The differences are clear after possession: Jackson high presses 34 per 90 minutes (Watkins 31.4), ball recoveries 2.7 (1.8), final third recoveries 0.9 (0.6). He is 88th percentile in ball-winning percentage in the 'attacking third'; Watkins 43. The two are equal in 'runs behind' (13 vs 12.7), but Watkins has the upper hand in high ball contests (1.2 vs 0.7) and is also leading in head-to-head runs to goal.
Jackson also has a familiarity with Emery. 27 appearances, 3 goals, 3 assists in 1,195 minutes during Emery's time at Villarreal; He has previously said that Emery improved understanding of movement and displacement. Jackson 'non-penalty xG + xA' in 2022–23 La Liga 0.56 per 90 min; 10 league goal appearances behind Gary — second only to Vinicius Jr. Chelsea signed him in 2023; 30 goals, 12 assists in 81 games there. A loan spell at Bayern last season was complicated by a lack of opportunities: Harry Kane was consistent; Lewis Dion's and Michael O'Leary's play also jammed the front row. 11 goals in all competitions though; He is next to Kane in the 90-minute ratio of open-play goals in the Bundesliga. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany has openly backed Jackson's effort and quality.
Watkins - 108 goals in 278 games for Villa - has been the face of the team's rise through pace, confidence and consistency. But the 25-year-old Jackson has a varied 'Number 9' profile with more dunks, carries and creation. Questions may linger as to whether his 'par-90' numbers are up to full season load, including the finishing doubts he had at Chelsea. However, Emery chooses a player he already knows; Villa's attacking style is likely to change after Watkins' tenure.
What happens next
If Watkins moves to Al-Hilal, Jackson will begin playing in his new role. Meanwhile, Emery's Villa will continue to look to improve their game with new players. Jackson, based on his previous work and stats, will play a key role in Villa's attacking line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nicholas Jackson?
Nicolas Jackson is a footballer who currently plays for Aston Villa.
Where was Nicholas Jackson from?
Nicolas Jackson has moved from Chelsea to Aston Villa.
Why did Jackson come to Aston Villa?
The team's 'number 9' style is in a state of flux, with Jackson arriving at Aston Villa and Ollie Watkins likely to move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
How much is Nicholas Jackson's contract?
Nicholas Jackson's contract is valued at £65 million.
When did Jackson officially join Aston Villa?
Jackson has yet to officially join Aston Villa, but he is one of the new additions to the squad.
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