'Non-existent': Chelsea player slated for '4/10' display for his country last night, just nine passes found the target

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Chelsea have a host of players away on international duty as countries compete against each other in the final break of the calendar year.

The Nations League group stage is being wrapped up this month, while qualifiers for the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations are ongoing.

Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku and Enzo Fernandez are just a few of the Chelsea players representing their countries this month.

One Blues player was in action on Thursday but sadly he wasn’t at his best on the day and received some criticism from his nation’s media.

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Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson struggles for Senegal against Burkina Faso

The player in question is Nicolas Jackson, who led the line for Senegal in their Africa Cup of Nations win over Burkina Faso in Mali.

Jackson started the game at the Stade du 26 Mars and played for 64 minutes before being replaced by Cherif Ndiaye of Red Star Belgrade.

Seneweb gave the Chelsea forward a rating of 4 out of 10 and wrote: Starting up front, Nicolas Jackson had a poor game.

“Although he showed some good things at the start of the match with his back-to-goal play, the Chelsea striker then lacked efficiency and spontaneity, wasting several offensive moves by the Lions.

“He was non-existent up front. Replaced by Cherif Ndiaye, who tried to bring his power to the attack without success.”

Likewise, Wiwsport gave Jackson a 4 out of 10 rating and wrote: “Still a starter at centre forward, he was not convincing.

“At times, it seemed as if Senegal were playing without a number 9, as the crosses, from Krepin Diatta in the first half in particular, did not find any teammates in the opposing area, where he should have shown off his physicality.

“Well controlled by the opponent, Edmond Tapsoba first, he did not live up to his status, once again.”

Jackson stats for Senegal v Burkina Faso

As per Sofascore, Jackson registered just two shots all night, with one of those hitting the target.

He also touched the ball just 20 times and made 14 passes, of which just nine found the intended target.

However, the Chelsea man did make one key pass, and won one of his two ground duels on the night.

All in all, it wasn’t a great display from Jackson, who’ll hope to retain his place in the starting XI when Senegal host Burundi on Tuesday night.

On a brighter note, he has shown improvement for Chelsea, with Ally McCoist singing Jackson’s praises recently.