A football analyst recently emphasized that Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has become a focal point for opponents who aim to neutralize the Blues’ offensive play.
Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City last season, initially faced some skepticism from fans about his potential.
Many wondered why Chelsea signed him given he hadn’t established himself under Pep Guardiola at City.
However, Palmer quickly proved his worth and became a leading force in Chelsea’s attack, silencing critics with his impactful performances.
Recently, however, opponents have started paying close attention to Palmer, recognizing how integral he is to Chelsea’s attacking setups.
By marking him tightly, teams are not only able to reduce his individual impact but also disrupt the overall flow of Chelsea’s forward play.
This has been particularly noticeable in recent games where Palmer’s influence on the pitch has been limited by such defensive strategies.
Robbie Earle, a former player and current pundit, highlighted how the strategy of containing Palmer has a ripple effect on other players, especially Nicolas Jackson.
Jackson relies on Palmer’s playmaking to take advantage of his own strengths—primarily his pace, movement, and clever positioning.
Earle pointed out that when Palmer is closely marked, he’s less able to deliver those precise vertical passes that Jackson thrives on to make runs in behind the opposition’s defense.
Palmer’s creativity and vision have been vital for Chelsea, allowing players like Jackson to shine.
But when opponents close him down effectively, it diminishes Jackson’s opportunities to showcase his speed and positioning, which are key elements of his game.
This defensive approach makes it harder for Chelsea to break through lines and create scoring chances, putting more pressure on their midfield and other creative outlets to step up.
In other football news, Manchester United’s new head coach, Ruben Amorim, received positive updates regarding his defensive lineup ahead of his debut match against Ipswich.
Several key players are returning from injury, which is set to strengthen United’s backline—a significant boost as Amorim prepares to implement his tactics and kick off his tenure with a solid foundation.
This increased depth in defense is expected to provide more stability and options, potentially helping United regain momentum and improve their form under his leadership.
