Chelsea's Reliance on Cole Palmer: A Concern for the Future

Image credits: Lee Smith/Action Images/Reuters

The recent dip in form of Chelsea's young star Cole Palmer has sparked concerns about the club's over-reliance on him. Palmer, who has been in exceptional form this season, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists, has not scored in his last six matches, and his frustrated demeanor on the pitch has raised eyebrows. Chelsea's manager, Enzo Maresca, has acknowledged that the team relies too heavily on Palmer, stating that they need to rely on the team as a whole, rather than just one player.

Palmer's recent performances have been affected by the opposition's increased attention to him, with teams crowding him out and making it difficult for him to create scoring opportunities. Despite this, Maresca is not concerned about Palmer's form, saying that he is a human being and can have moments where he struggles. However, the concern is that Chelsea's lack of experienced leaders and consistent performers has put too much pressure on Palmer's young shoulders. The team's inability to score goals and create chances has also affected Palmer's performance, with his expected-goals data down and his shooting from worse positions.

The issue is not just Palmer's form, but also the team's overall performance. Chelsea's recent defeats to Brighton and Aston Villa have highlighted the team's lack of depth and experience. The team's reliance on Palmer has been evident, with his teammates struggling to create chances and score goals. Maresca has said that the team needs to be more clinical in their chances and that they cannot rely on Palmer to score every game. The concern is that if Chelsea do not address their issues, they may struggle to qualify for the Champions League, which could lead to Palmer becoming restless and potentially looking to leave the club.

Former Chelsea players, such as Joe Cole and Frank Lampard, have spoken about the importance of youngsters being protected by older players. They have said that Palmer needs to be surrounded by experienced leaders who can guide him and help him develop his game. The list of Chelsea's recent performances is a concern, with the team struggling to win games and score goals. Some of the recent match scores include:

• Chelsea 1-2 Aston Villa
• Brighton 3-0 Chelsea
• Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea

The team's schedule for the upcoming weeks is crucial, with games against Southampton and Leicester City providing an opportunity for them to get back on track.

In conclusion, Chelsea's reliance on Cole Palmer is a concern that needs to be addressed. The team needs to find a way to reduce their dependence on the young star and develop a more sustainable approach to the game. With the right guidance and support, Palmer can continue to develop and become a top player, but the team needs to take a more holistic approach to the game, rather than relying on one player to carry them through.

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