Cole Palmer has received his fair share of critics this season for what has been an underwhelming campaign in terms of numbers, but not everyone feels the same way
Many people share the view that Cole Palmer has not been at his best in terms of performance this season, but Chelsea interim head coach Calum McFarlane does not agree with that verdict.
Perhaps a victim of his own success, Palmer has failed to deliver at key moments this season, with many forming the opinion that he has not been up to scratch. The 23-year-old has been hampered by a complex groin injury all season-long, one that requires day-to-day attention and care, and has also struggled with other muscular issues.
With just 10 goals to his name in all competitions, Palmer is on course for his lowest scoring season since moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2023. However, McFarlane believes talk of his No.10 being out of form has been overblown.
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When one reporter said to McFarlane that Palmer “has not been at the top level this season”, the interim boss took issue with that, saying: “I haven’t said he’s not at his top level.”
The reporter responded with: “No, I’m suggesting that maybe he is…”, to which McFarlane said: “You’re suggesting that, I’m not suggesting that.”
He went on to add: “I think he’s had some really good games for us this year, he’s had a lot of injuries that he’s had to deal with.
“I was really pleased with Cole on Saturday [vs Liverpool], I thought he had moments where he showed his level and his quality so I am really hopeful that Cole can produce that from now until the end of the season. He’s a top player, he’s proved that many times.”
Whether he is at his best or not, Palmer will be desperate to leave his mark on the final three games of the season. That starts with a trip to Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon to take on Manchester City, the club Chelsea signed him from almost three years ago.
