Is Nicolas Jackson a top three striker in the Premier League?
talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor thinks so, with the Aston Villa frontman scoring four in his last four league games.
Jackson, who signed for Villa from Chelsea for a club record £65million in the summer, has hit the ground running.
In 11 appearances in all competitions for his new side, he has already scored seven goals, with four strikes coming in the top flight.
His double against Manchester City on Saturday showcased just how good he can be – and after that game, Agbonlahor made a bold claim.
He asked on talkSPORT’s GameDay Phone-In: “Nicolas Jackson – give me three better centre forwards in the Premier League?”
Agbonlahor firmly put him in among the best and disregarded any inclusion of Brentford‘s Igor Thiago in the conversation.
The ex-striker also stated that Jackson would start for Arsenal, putting him in their side over Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz.
Is Jackson one of the best three strikers in the Premier League?
After those comments, talkSPORT Breakfast host Jeff Stelling agreed with statement, saying: “I think he [Agbonlahor] is right on current form.
“Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak yeah, but who else can you argue? It’s very hard to argue the case for anybody else.”
Co-host Ally McCoist then added: “He [Jackson] has got a lot more composure than he’s had. He can still be doing with a little more calmness in front of goal.
“But there are not a lot of strikers that are top class that really enjoying playing the role themselves and he’s perfect for it, he’s been terrific. Gabby’s right!”
Jackson has found ‘a natural home’
Jackson’s career in England appeared to be in doubt after struggling at Chelsea and being sent out on loan last season.
He spent last term as Harry Kane‘s understudy at Bayern Munich, scoring 11 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions.
The Senegal international was then sold to Villa on his return to the Premier League and he is now in impressive form.
Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes Jackson lost his way at Chelsea and that now, working under Unai Emery for the second time after his spell at Villarreal, he has found a ‘natural home’.
Keown said: “He worked with him [Emery] before and I think this Villa team is now unrecognisable now from the start of the season.
“Jackson, for me, is a nightmare to play against. He’s robust, dynamic and he punishes you with pace.
“I think the Villa faithful are delighted he’s now playing for them and maybe this is a natural home for him.
“I thought he was losing his discipline at Chelsea a little bit… he was getting sent off, getting involved in silly things, he wasn’t loved.
“But he has the full love now of the manager and the club and I think it’s the perfect place for him.”