It’s been a frustrating season for Cole Palmer. Injury has prevented Palmer from reaching the heights he did in a Chelsea shirt last season, but Paul Merson has identified another hurdle he must overcome.
Palmer’s groin injury continues to hamper him, even now. On Saturday, the England star played the entire match as Chelsea came from behind to beat West Ham – but it meant he couldn’t start against Arsenal.
Following the win over Brentford, in which he scored a penalty, Palmer’s frustration was obvious at full-time. Liam Rosenior has publicly made it clear that he needs to look after Palmer if he is to keep him fit.
Admit it, you miss Nicolas Jackson 😢
Liam Delap has been a huge disappointment!
Liam Delap's and Nicolas Jackson's stats
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images/Kevin Voigt
But there is another issue aside from his injuries this season that Palmer needs to overcome and fix. In the last few weeks, Paul Merson has explained why Palmer misses Nicolas Jackson playing for Chelsea.
Paul Merson thinks Joao Pedro is hampering Cole Palmer
On today’s Stick To Football, Merson was the guest alongside the likes of Gary Neville and Roy Keane. He repeated his belief that Palmer misses Jackson, a striker who would run in behind and was direct.
He added this time, however, that he believes Joao Pedro is making life hard for Palmer. He believes that because the £60m Brazilian wants to drop deep, and isn’t as direct as Jackson, it limits Palmer’s options.
Cole Palmer celebrating with Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro for Chelsea vs Everton
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
“I like Palmer, but Palmer misses Jackson. Jackson made Palmer, and Palmer made Jackson. And people used to slaughter Jackson and say, ‘Oh, he’s no good. He misses chances,” Merson explained today.
“You’d love to play with Jackson because he always went that way (forwards). He’s like you, Wrighty. You know what I mean? When they go like that, everybody drops off. I’m the 10, I can get on the ball.
“You watch Palmer now. He puts his foot on the ball, and there’s nothing there. Joao Pedro wants to come this way (dropping short), and there’s no movement in front of him,” Merson added, on Palmer’s issue.
Does Palmer need to change, or do Chelsea need to change?
So, what’s the answer? Does Palmer need to change the way he plays and instead of hanging outside of the box looking to create from a pocket, does he need to go beyond the striker when Pedro drops deep?
Cole Palmer’s feelings at Chelsea made clear 🗣️
Thoughts?
Cole Palmer's stance on Chelsea future
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Or, do Chelsea – despite the impressive form of Pedro – need to consider replacing the Brazilian? Chelsea have options. Liam Delap can dictate centre-backs while incoming Emmanuel Emegha is very direct.
Or, what might have been seen as impossible, does Jackson return to Chelsea in the summer following his loan at Bayern and is reintegrated? This is a decision Rosenior will have to make come next season.
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