Former Senegal international Mohamed Adama Sarr believes Nicolas Jackson is benefiting from renewed confidence and stronger support at Aston Villa after scoring seven goals in his first 11 appearances.
The 25-year-old striker scored twice in Villa's 2-1 Premier League victory over Manchester City on Saturday, continuing an impressive start following his summer move from Chelsea.
Speaking to Africa Foot, Sarr praised Jackson's improvement under Unai Emery but urged him to maintain his form over a longer period.
Nicolas Jackson finding confidence at Aston Villa
Jackson joined Aston Villa permanently in August after spending the previous season on loan at Bayern Munich.
The Senegal international had previously scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for Chelsea but faced criticism over his finishing during his time at Stamford Bridge.
His move to Villa reunited him with Emery, who previously worked with the striker at Villarreal.
Jackson has quickly established himself as an important attacking figure, scoring seven goals in 11 appearances across all competitions.
His recent performances include doubles against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League.
Sarr believes the striker's confidence and surroundings have contributed to that improvement.
"A striker needs confidence, in an environment where he feels important. I think that's what he's finding at Aston Villa," he said, in remarks translated from French.
The former Senegal defender also acknowledged that Jackson had previously attracted criticism over his finishing but argued that his recent performances deserve recognition.
Villa teammates credited for Jackson's improvement
Sarr suggested that Jackson's effectiveness has also been helped by the service he receives from his Aston Villa teammates.
"At Aston Villa, he seems to be with teammates who are always looking for him. This could explain his effectiveness," he explained.
Jackson's latest performance provided evidence of that attacking understanding.
He scored both Villa goals against Manchester City, with his second coming after a combination with Ibrahim Mbaye.
Sarr believes the striker should focus on building consistency rather than allowing his current form to generate speculation about another move.
"He needs to spend two or three seasons at Villa before another challenge," Sarr added.
The former international also stressed that Jackson must continue producing goals regularly if he wants to establish himself at the highest level.
Aston Villa have long-term plans for Jackson
Jackson is under contract at Aston Villa until June 2031, giving the club a long-term commitment from a striker who has made an immediate impact.
His seven goals have come across the Premier League and Champions League, with four scored domestically and three in European competition.
The Senegal international has also spoken positively about his new surroundings, praising Villa's players and coaching staff following the victory over Manchester City.
For Sarr, the next challenge is for Jackson to sustain his improvement throughout the campaign and continue contributing for both club and country.
Key Points
- Nicolas Jackson has scored seven goals in 11 appearances for Aston Villa.
- The Senegal striker scored twice in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Manchester City.
- Mohamed Adama Sarr believes confidence and support from teammates have helped Jackson improve.
- Sarr has advised Jackson to establish himself at Villa over several seasons.
- Jackson is under contract until June 2031.
What's Next?
Aston Villa host Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, 31 October, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 GMT at Villa Park.
Jackson will then have another opportunity to demonstrate his Champions League form when Villa visit Barcelona on Tuesday, 3 November.
Those fixtures will provide an immediate test of whether the striker can maintain the consistency highlighted by Sarr.
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