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Having been brought into the TFC squad in December 2013, Jackson was thought to be a player that would make a quick impact on the pitch. The Brazilian's CV includes stints with Campeonato powerhouses Sao Paulo, Botafogo, and Cruzeiro, while also having MLS experience with FC Dallas. However, out of the many mixed bags last season, none has been more prevalent than Jackson. Having enjoyed some success on the pitch, Jackson also had some games that were less than stellar.
Average Rating: 9.2
Highest Rating: 7
Lowest Rating: 13
Due to a lack of squad depth and the injury to Mark Bloom, Jackson found himself playing right full-back, at times, this past season. Jackson's preferred position is right wing, but the versatile right-sided player can also slot in to the RB position. The Brazilian possesses pace, strength, and the ability to tackle hard. However, Jackson has been known to commit a few too many fouls and get caught too far up the pitch.
Statistically, Jackson appeared 27 times for the Reds in 2015 and netted a goal only once. The goal came in an away game to Real Salt Lake, where Jackson received a pass outside of the area and ran into the box to slot a right-footed shot into the bottom corner. Jackson was also responsible for an assist to Herculez Gomez that put TFC up 1-0 in the match against the New York Red Bulls, a game that would see the Reds clinch a playoff spot for the first time in their history.
Looking at Jackson's performances overall, however, paints a complex picture. He was praised by fans in the middle part of the season for putting in great work on the right wing by getting credit for spraying balls around the pitch and closing down the opposition. Jackson was also thought to be a real game-changer at times.
However, he was criticized during the season for not having the best feet and putting in bad crosses. On top of that, Jackson is well known to be a hot-head and get himself into the referee's book. He has twice been subject to meetings with the MLS Disciplinary committee in the past, but a positive change to Jackson's game in Season 2015 was that he escaped with no red cards and only two yellow cards. Overall, Jackson can be considered a good utility player that can make a difference in any MLS team.
Jackson helped the team clinch a playoff berth, but as we all know, the momentum was short-lived. With the off-season, came the decision of TFC management to decline the option on the 27-year old Brazilian. One of the many reasons for the decision was to free up salary-cap space, as Jackson was earning $192, 000. Inclusive of the Brazilian, the club ended up having an extra $730, 000 after all the cuts. The TFC FO hopes to use the money more wisely, as they look to bring in the right pieces of the TFC puzzle.
There is no doubt that Jackson will be picked up by a decent club and will continue to play in his own way. The Brazilian has the potential to be a real game-changer for any team at this level and possess great pace and strength to boot. Brilliant in some moments and frustrating in others, Jackson will have to find consistency in order to elevate his game to the next level.