Cole Palmer has struggled of late at Chelsea, but his performance for England has shown Liam Rosenior exactly what he needs to do moving forward.
Cole Palmer’s had a frustrating, injury-hit start. After missing nearly three months due to a recurring groin injury and a subsequent broken toe, Palmer has steadily regained his consistency.
Since February, he has looked back to his physical peak, bagging a brilliant hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Wolves. However, he’s failed to contribute in his last two games for Chelsea.
Despite that, his recent form earned him a recall to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the March friendlies. Coming off the bench against Uruguay, Palmer provided an immediate spark.
It was a lesson to Liam Rosenior, who has used the midfielder the wrong way at times.
You are Liam Rosenior: What is ONE change that you would make during the international break?
FBL-EUR-C1-CHELSEA-TRAINING
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Cole Palmer used out of position at Chelsea
Cole Palmer hasn’t played as a number 10 since the 10th of February against Leeds United. He scored and assisted in that game and bagged a hat-trick in the previous one against Wolves.
Since then, he’s played on the right wing and the left wing, scoring just one goal and laying on zero assists in five appearances.
In eight games this season, he’s operated out wide, scoring two during those games. Meanwhile, he’s scored and assisted three in 16 games so far this season.
John Obi Mikel has brought up that Palmer is being used out of position, and he’s not the only one.
Quarter-final 2! Xabi Alonso or Cesc Fabregas?
Cole Palmer’s display in the number 10 for England
Cole Palmer looked so much more involved in the number 10 role, picking the ball up from deep and driving at the opposition. He took the corner that led to England’s goal and should have had an assist.
Thomas Tuchel has even said that Palmer’s best position is in the central role.
It’s clear that this is his best position; Liam Rosenior just needs to bite the bullet and play him there instead of Enzo Fernandez.
15 accurate passes – one big chance created – two key passes – four passes into the final third – two defensive contributions – two accurate crosses – two successful tackles – three recoveries – four duels won.
This is the type of creativity that Chelsea are craving.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox