Chelsea FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Enzo Maresca has made Cole Palmer even better (Image - Getty)
Stephen Warnock thinks Enzo Maresca's new system at Chelsea has helped Cole Palmer evolve. The Italian coach succeeded Mauricio Pochettino in the summer and has the Blues firing on all cylinders.
Palmer, 22, has picked up where he left off last season with sensational performances. The English attacker has posted eight goals and six assists in 15 games across competitions.
Maresca has implemented an exciting brand of football at Stamford Bridge that sees Palmer as one of several attackers shining. The west Londoners are one of the most eye-catching teams to watch in the Premier League this season.
Warnock highlighted how Palmer has developed under Maresca and how he's no longer under pressure to be the main man like he was with Pochettino. The former Liverpool defender told Sky Sports:
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"I fell like under Pochettino he felt like he was the main main and the system was built around him. So he'd go wandering, looking for the ball and he'd go taking it off people because he felt like he had to create things."
Palmer's performances for Chelsea last season made the Blues feel like a one-man team. He starred with 25 goals and 15 assists in 45 games across competitions under Pochettino and won the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Warnock thinks Maresca's system has only helped him develop further:
"In this system Enzo Maresca's got him playing in, he holds that inside right position and he allows the other winger or full back to get high and wide. It creates so many problems for the backline. Not trying to much on the ball, it's a sign of maturity and it's a sign of growth under a manager who's helping him evolve."
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Palmer was on target in Chelsea's 3-0 win against Aston Villa on Sunday (December 1). He scored the pick of the bunch, curling a sensational left-footed effort into the top corner.
The 11-cap England international is playing a key role in the west Londoners' push for a top-four finish. They sit third in the Premier League and are nine points off leaders Liverpool.
"That work is showing" - Chelsea star Palmer talks up his growing partnership with Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer celebrate (Image - Getty)
Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer celebrate (Image - Getty)
Palmer assisted Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea's second in their 3-0 win over Villa. Nicolas Jackson had opened the scoring with a fine finish to put the Blues on course to victory.
Jackson has been equally as impressive as Palmer this season, with eight goals and three assists in 14 games across competitions. The Colombian striker justifies the club's decision not to sign a new centre-forward in the summer.
Palmer spoke about his link-up with the 23-year-old and how they are building a better understanding in training. He told Chelsea's official website:
"Me and Nico work well together. We speak to each other everyday and we message each other after games. We’re trying to work on our relationship to help us on the pitch and hopefully that work is showing."
The Blues attacking duo will look to strike again when they visit Southampton on Wednesday (December 4).