Pat Nevin believes that Liam Rosenior’s decision to stick with playing Cole Palmer out on the wing does ‘not suit’ the Chelsea midfielder.
Palmer was a fast success in his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge following his £40million move from Manchester City in 2023.
However the Englishman has found form and goals harder to return by this season, partly as a consequence of the persistent, nagging injuries which have hampered throughout large parts of the campaign.
And while Palmer has scored six goals in his 13 appearances in all competitions since Rosenior’s arrival, the 23-year-old has still been removed from his devastating best.
The present Chelsea boss has consistently used Palmer on the precise wing, preferring to make use of Enzo Fernandez within the central No10 role.
But former Blues winger Nevin has urged the Chelsea boss to vary his ways and deploy Palmer more centrally, particularly after a fourth defeat in a row ramped up the pressure on Rosenior prior to this international break.
‘A dip in form can occur,’ Nevin told Betarades.gr when asked about Palmer’s form.
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‘We all the time need to remember to ask the query why it happens. Is it because Palmer is playing for a team who’re struggling?
‘He can also be now playing wider and never in that number ten position. Is that good for his creativity? If you happen to ask me, I’d play him in the center 100 out of 100 times.
‘He’s now playing ready that doesn’t suit him greatly. He’s playing for a team who often faces opponents, especially at home, who sits very deep. That makes it difficult.
‘There are a variety of the explanation why he hasn’t had that good of a season.’
Reports in recent months have linked Palmer with a move away from Chelsea in the summertime, citing the 23-year-old’s desire to maneuver back up north and play for Manchester United.
But Nevin thinks cashing on Palmer so early in his Chelsea profession can be a grave mistake by his former club.
‘He was very low-cost to purchase from Manchester City and if he they sold him I can be gutted. As a Chelsea man I can be gutted. Totally and utterly gutted.
‘He’s a joy to observe even when he’s just being average to good, to not discuss when he’s being good”.
“I believe the team must adapt to suit him versus him leaving, but when he left the upside can be that minimum double the cash you paid for him, and then you definately can reinvest.
‘We still need to keep in mind that that’s what Chelsea`s model is about. It’s all about investment.
‘Of all of the players, Palmer and Estevao are those who can herald a variety of money. But I like them because I like being entertained.’
Chelsea return from the international break with an FA Cup quarter-final clash against League One underdogs Port Vale.
The Blues then face two tough back-to-back league fixtures against City and United as they appear to salvage their hopes of Champions League qualification.
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