Enzo Maresca has hinted playing Joao Felix and Cole Palmer together could be a solution to getting more out of the England international when he’s man marked.
Palmer has come under increased attention from the opposition following a record breaking campaign under Mauricio Pochettino, in which he was named Premier League Young Player of the Year.
The England international has still made a very good start to the campaign and has 11 goals and six assists from 17 league games so far, with Maresca saying he’s very proud to be working with the attacker.
Maresca on Palmer being man marked
Chelsea’s five game winning streak in the league came to an end against Everton on Sunday with the Blues struggling to create many opportunities.
Palmer had a particularly quiet afternoon and wasn’t able to impact proceedings as Chelsea’s attack struggled in general against a resolute Toffees defence.
This will be something that occurs throughout the season and it will be down to Palmer and Maresca to find a solution for when he’s marked out of the game.
Joao Felix dances beyond a Leicester defender. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Felix has struggled to hold down a regular place in Chelsea’s starting line-up. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Speaking ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Fulham, Maresca hinted at one possible solution he may try to combat Palmer being man marked.
“The next step for Cole is to manage that moment because most teams mark him man to man,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“One of the solutions could be Joao, maybe Joao and Cole together. Depends. We try to continue with Cole because there was some moments he could create something.
“Off the ball he works hard. We cannot rely on Cole’s shoulders every game.”
Palmer and Felix have started a couple of games together this season away at Leicester and Southampton with the Portugal international performing well in both games.
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Enzo Maresca speaks in a press conference.
The Chelsea logo on the pitch at Stamford Bridge.
It’s certainly a solution, but it appears to be one that Maresca isn’t fully convinced on at this point in time, and Felix was an unused substitute against Everton in a game that was crying out for some creativity.
It’s unlikely the duo will start together against Fulham on Boxing Day, but Maresca will be hoping his attack is back to it’s free flowing best against their neighbours.