It's been tough going for Cole Palmer at Chelsea in recent months.It's been tough going for Cole Palmer at Chelsea in recent months.
It's been tough going for Cole Palmer at Chelsea in recent months. | Getty Images
Cole Palmer has not scored in the Premier League since January ahead of this week’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.
Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has blamed Enzo Maresca for his management of Cole Palmer as the England international struggles for form in west London.
The 22-year-old has plundered 14 goals already in the Premier League this season but now has not scored since the 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth in the middle of January. Palmer has been used in different positions by Maresca but, with his side losing three of their last five fixtures, Petit has called for the manager to ensure players are fielded in their preferred positions.
Petit told Poker Firma: “Cole Palmer, I think he's better when you play him as a central midfielder right behind the strikers. I know he can play on the right-hand side. He has done that so many times, but I think he prefers to play right behind the striker to be able to manage the game and to be dangerous every time. When you play him as a number 10, that’s his best position. And we have seen recently, the last few weeks, I've seen frustration in his behaviour. He showed that during some games, and with his body language as well.
Petit: Of course Maresca is responsible for Cole Palmer form
“He hasn't scored for the last few games – I can't remember the last time he scored a goal. When you look at his record, he's one of the best in the Premier League in terms of creating chances for his team, scoring goals and assists, but because of his numbers last season, and what he was doing earlier in the campaign, it’s a surprise to see him labouring. I do think that is completely down to where he’s been asked to play recently – he’s wasted on the right flank.
“Is Maresca responsible for that? Of course, because he's the manager who puts the first 11 out, and has decided to play him there. I think it’s a mistake.”
Palmer missed out on the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal with a hamstring injury and did not feature for England over the international break as a result of that niggle. The playmaker had played through illness against Leicester City before then but it is thought that he will be fit to face Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night.
Chelsea manager maintains support for England international
Maresca praised Palmer’s attitude after that fixture against the Foxes, in which Palmer missed a penalty for the first time in the Premier League. The Chelsea manager said: “Cole yesterday didn’t train. During the night, he didn’t feel well and he didn’t train yesterday because he didn’t feel well. But this morning he woke up and asked me to be on the pitch because he wants to help this club play in the Champions League.
“But in the last two days, he was completely out; he didn’t train because of fever and this bad feeling. But this morning he asked to play the game and it shows how these players want to bring the club to where this club belongs.”
In other news, this is how a dream Chelsea starting XI could look next season should current transfer rumours come true, including the arrival of a £50 million winger and Barcelona defender.