Enzo Maresca has revealed that Cole Palmer isn’t safe from being dropped and shared what the England international needs to improve on.
Palmer has played a key role in Chelsea’s start to the season, which sees them sit second in the table, four points behind Liverpool and two ahead of third placed Arsenal.
The Blues are the second highest scorers in the league, whilst they have lost just two of their 17 matches with Palmer playing a key role.
Maresca confirms Palmer isn’t safe from being dropped
Palmer has been a revelation following his move from Manchester City in the summer of 2023 and after being named Premier League Young Player of the Year last season he’s come under increased attention from the opposition this campaign.
The 22-year-old has still managed 11 goals and six assists in 17 games, but has had a number of quiet afternoons against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton last weekend.
Cole Palmer looks frustrated as Chelsea fail to beat Everton away. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Palmer struggled to make an impact against Everton last weekend. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Maresca admitted ahead of Thursday’s game against Fulham Palmer has to do more when he’s being man marked, and hinted at a possible solution to the problem.
“He still has to improve things in those moments,” he said as quoted by Mail Sport.
“Especially because if you get frustrated, you lose your focus on the game. For sure, game after game, he’s going to understand more about when they mark him man-to-man, how to move.
“We already protected him in the Conference League which is why he was not in the squad. That is why he always starts in the Premier League.”
However, when asked if Palmer would always start every game Maresca refused to confirm and said he decides on a game by game basis.
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Enzo Maresca applauds the home fans. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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“I take the decision game by game. Goals and assists and how he is helping us. Him and Nicolas (Jackson), they are not only scoring goals but helping with how we press and our intensity.”
It’s hard to imagine Palmer not starting a league game for the Blues given his importance and Maresca has stated how he’s very proud to work with the former City man, who’s admitted he dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or.