Chelsea centre-forward Nicolas Jackson has been the subject of serious criticism this season, but there's a compelling case to be made that Rasmus Hojlund has had a weaker impact at Manchester United than the Senegalese striker has at Stamford Bridge.
The UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw was confirmed on Monday afternoon, but, perhaps ironically, the competition is set to resume next year without its current top goalscorer, Hojlund. The 20-year-old netted five times in six group games for the Red Devils, including braces against Galatasaray and Copenhagen. With United's Champions League run now over, though, his abysmal form in the Premier League certainly warrants criticism as he has yet to score a goal in 13 EPL matches so far.
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Unlike Jackson, however, critics have turned a blind eye to Hojlund's underwhelming performances in the English top flight. The Denmark international arrived at Old Trafford in August from Atalanta. It is fair to say there were lofty expectations for the promising youngster as United paid a whopping €73.9 million (R1.4 billion) for his services, making him the seventh-most-expensive signing in the club's history. Given such a huge price tag, one would expect more than his overall tally of five goals and zero assists in 21 appearances to date across all competitions.
Jackson, meanwhile, joined Chelsea from Villarreal for a more modest fee of €37 million (R744 million) and has since registered eight goals and one assist in 19 matches in all competitions. It certainly raises eyebrows that the 22-year-old draws far more criticism than Hojlund has despite boasting a superior record than the Red Devils star. The reality is that, regardless of the Dane's immunity from criticism, he is now under more pressure to find the back of the net as United have only scored 18 times in the Premier League so far this season – none of those goals coming from their marquee striker. Only five teams have scored fewer goals, namely Sheffield United (12 goals), Burnley (16), Luton Town (17), Nottingham Forest (17), and Crystal Palace (17).
Moreover, Jackson and Hojlund have had an intrinsically similar path to the Premier League, with both of them having breakout season in a top five European league before moving to an English giant. The former impressed in LALIGA last term, while the latter found similar joy in Serie A. It is becoming increasingly hypocritical that one is seemingly exempt from bad press, while the other is constantly met with negative commentary.
After scoring in Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Sheffield on Saturday, the Blues marksman voiced his frustrations about the constant criticism he has been subjected to during his first six months in England.
"It is OK, it is not what I was going for, though it is my first season, so I am happy, although everybody is talking s***, I am very happy. I don't care what people say," Jackson said of his critics, according to the Daily Mail.
"It is just people who don't know about football. I will just continue to play more games and score more goals for the team.
"I should have scored more because I have missed some chances. The Premier League is different from LALIGA, where I came from. I am trying to adapt myself.
"It is not an excuse. I am trying to continue to work harder and listen to people. Not the people who do not know football, I listen to the coach that knows more football and try to improve myself."
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The truth is that players, especially those under the age of 23, need time to adapt to a new division – more so in one as tough as the Premier League. Therefore, it does not make sense to put a target on Jackson's back, while Hojlund is given courteous treatment. It is by no means fair to either of them, but the Chelsea star will reasonably feel more hard done by critics than his fellow striker at United.
Opinion by Lukhanyo Mtuta
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