Blues’ Star Battles On-Field Dip but Remains Team’s Fittest and Most Determined Player
Despite a recent dip in form, Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s standout performer in training, with manager Enzo Maresca praising the 22-year-old’s work ethic and physical fitness. Palmer, who joined the Blues from Manchester City last summer, has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for Chelsea, who have won just two of their last 10 Premier League games and slipped to seventh in the table.
The attacking midfielder has not scored since mid-January, when he netted in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, and has gone six matches without a goal contribution. However, Maresca revealed that Palmer’s commitment in training has never wavered, with the England international recently topping the squad’s physical fitness tests.
“Every six or seven months, we do a physical test. We did one in pre-season and another last week, and Cole was the strongest one. He won the test,” Maresca explained. “That shows he has desire, not just with the ball but in his work rate. He’s doing fantastic, and I absolutely love that.”
Palmer enjoyed a sensational start to life at Stamford Bridge, contributing 33 goals and assists in the first half of the season—more than any other Premier League player. However, his output has slowed in recent months, with just two goal contributions since December. This dry spell has mirrored Chelsea’s broader struggles, but Maresca remains confident in Palmer’s ability to bounce back.
“Every game, we expect a goal or assist from him because everyone relies on Cole. People see him as the solution, but the solution has to be the team,” Maresca emphasized. “Top players can do something different, and Cole is one of them. He’s getting into the right positions, and I’m not concerned about him. He’s human, and he will have moments where he struggles.”
When asked if he had considered resting Palmer for Tuesday’s match against bottom-placed Southampton, Maresca dismissed the idea. “No, to be honest. He’s always someone who can make a difference. The problem is we rely on Cole for everything, but we need to rely on the team as a whole.”
As Chelsea look to turn their season around, Palmer’s resilience and determination in training offer a glimmer of hope. With the team’s fortunes hanging in the balance, Maresca will be counting on his star midfielder to rediscover his best form—and for the rest of the squad to step up alongside him.
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