“Don’t ruin his football career” “Help him to develop more” – Mikel Obi warns Enzo Maresca over Chelsea star development
Following Chelsea 3-1 defeat to Flamengo Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has voiced concerns over Cole Palmer’s growing inconsistency.
However, Speaking on DAZN after the game, the former Chelsea midfielder didn’t hold back in his assessment of Palmer’s performance and the tactical challenges he now faces.
“It is a bit worrying,” Mikel admitted.
“Cole is a fantastic player, everything goes through him but sometimes he disappears in games where you don’t see him and that has happened again, but he needs to know that he is now a marked man.”
Palmer, who played on the right side of Chelsea’s attack, struggled to influence the match as Flamengo took control in the second half. According to Mikel, that lack of impact is becoming a trend—one that opposition teams are starting to exploit.
“You will play against teams and they will know if you take out Cole Palmer, you can nullify the way they play,” Mikel warned.
The Nigerian icon also suggested it may be time for Enzo Maresca to step in and find a tactical solution to help the England international rediscover his spark.
Mikel went on: “So he needs to find a different way. Maybe the manager needs to help him in terms of navigating games and opponents. Maybe try to free him, give him more space. If he plays well, we play well, so I hope the combination between him and [Liam] Delap will get better.”
Despite the criticism, Mikel remains hopeful about Palmer’s potential to grow into an even more influential figure for the team.
Mikel concluded: “So [I am] a little bit worried but Cole is a fantastic player and will hopefully continue to develop.”
With Chelsea outplayed by Flamengo and Palmer struggling to impose himself on the game, the pressure will be on both the player and Maresca to find new ways of unlocking his brilliance in the matches to come.