Cole Palmer has so often been Chelsea’s shining light in games since he joined the club, but he had one of his rare quiet performances last time out in the goalless draw with Everton.
The Chelsea momentum was halted by Sunday’s 0-0 draw away to Everton in the Premier League. However, the Blues are still second in the division table going into the Boxing Day fixture at home to Fulham.
For Cole Palmer, he couldn’t help inspire his side to three points at Goodison Park. The 22-year-old playmaker has 11 goals and six assists already in the league this season, but he draw a blank on Merseyside.
In general, the entire Chelsea attack struggled to penetrate the Everton backline. Everton defender James Tarkowski claims his side kept Palmer quiet as they earned a surprise point against Chelsea.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Idrissa Gueye of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton FC an...
Photo by Jan Kruger – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca has advice for Cole Palmer, offers potential Joao Felix solution
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca thinks that Palmer’s next stage in his development is overcoming when opposition teams block the space for him in-between the lines. Interestingly, he suggested that Blues teammate Joao Felix could help solve that by lining up in the same XI.
When asked about Palmer not having much space versus Everton, Maresca said: “Now the next step for Cole [Palmer] is to manage that moment, most teams try to mark him man to man, that’s difficult for him.
“For sure, one of the solutions could be Joao [Felix]. One of the solutions could be Joao and Cole together. We tried to continue with Cole because there was some moments he could receive the ball and create something.”
Palmer and Felix have been fighting for one starting position this season at Chelsea in the No.10 role, with the former coming out on top. However, fans may be excited about the prospect of the two technically talented attackers linking up together.
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Jaap Stam is a massive fan of Chelsea star Palmer, calling him the Premier League’s most influential player. Even the most elite individuals are allowed a quiet day at the office, though.
The England international had one of his less impactful displays in the Everton stalemate:
Minutes played Total shots Touches in opposition box Successful dribbles Chances created Accurate crosses Match rating
90 2 3 4/6 (67%) 3 1/7 (14%) 6.9
Cole Palmer statistics from Everton vs Chelsea via FOTMOB
Team will prepare for Cole Palmer when they face Chelsea
If you’re an opposition team getting ready to face Chelsea, Palmer is surely going to be a big talking point in the pre-match preparations.
So far this season, Palmer has been fouled 38 times in 17 Premier League appearances (FBREF), the third-joint most in the division. Unfortunately, it’s something that the left-footed attacker will get more and more of as his reputation grows even bigger.
Gary Neville finds Palmer’s rise at Chelsea “exceptional” because it’s happened so quickly. Now, the stage is coping with the extra scrutiny and attention, both on and off the pitch.
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