Cole Palmer has not been at his best in 2025, scoring just three goals for Chelsea, and former Blues star John Obi Mikel is "worried" about the fact the No.10 "disappears in games"
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Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has come in for criticism
Chelsea star Cole Palmer has been accused of disappearing in games following his side's 3-1 defeat to Flamengo at the Club World Cup. Palmer enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Stamford Bridge, netting 25 goals and providing 15 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.
He then followed that up with 15 goals and 12 assists in 46 games last season, with his output dropping off massively towards the end of the campaign as Palmer managed just three goals in 2025.
And former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, who won ten major trophies during his time at the club, says he is "worried" about Palmer's tendency to disappear in matches. Speaking after another quiet showing against Flamengo, Mikel told DAZN: "It is a bit worrying.
"Cole is a fantastic player, everything goes through him but sometimes he disappears in games where you don't see him and that has happened again. But he needs to know that he is now a marked man.
"You will play against teams and they will know if you take out Cole Palmer, you can nullify the way they play. So he needs to find a different way. Maybe the manager needs to help him in terms of navigating games and opponents.
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"Maybe try to free him, give him more space. If he plays well, we play well, so I hope the combination between him and [Liam] Delap will get better. So [I am] a little bit worried but Cole is a fantastic player and will hopefully continue to develop."
Chelsea began their Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over LAFC, but were beaten by Flamengo after they staged a second-half comeback. Pedro Neto had given Chelsea an early lead, but goals from Bruno Henrique and Danilo turned the game on its head.
Things then got even worse as Nicolas Jackson was sent off for a poor challenge on Lucas just minutes after he was introduced by manager Enzo Maresca. A third goal from Wallace Yan wrapped up the victory for Flamengo and Jackson issued an apology after the game.
Cole Palmer
Palmer has scored just three goals for Chelsea in 2025
"I want to say sorry," he wrote on Instagram. "To the club, the staff, my teammates, and all the fans watching, I let you down. Another red card... and honestly, I'm so angry at myself. I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation.
"I still don't fully understand how it happened. But one thing is clear: it wasn't intentional. Just a football moment that went the wrong way. No excuses. I take full responsibility. I'll reflect, I'll grow, and I'll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. Sorry. Sorry."
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