“He keeps suffering because of Cole Palmer” – Pochettino reveals why one Chelsea player has suffered because of Cole Palmer
Because of Cole Palmer’s rise, Mauricio Pochettino has acknowledged that one of Chelsea’s most recent acquisitions has had difficulty playing for minutes.
Palmer, who arrived from Manchester City in September 2023, has been one of the Blues’ most impressive players thus far this year.
The 21-year-old has already scored 21 goals and provided 13 assists in the Premier League in 2023–24, and he has been a crucial component of Pochettino’s plans. He has only missed three games all season.
The Three Lions international, who usually plays through the middle or on the right, has also persisted in applying pressure to Gareth Southgate in relation to a possible call-up for the European Championships this summer.
But with plenty of players at Stamford Bridge also vowing for their own chance in the spotlight, Pochettino recently said he felt sorry for one young star in particular due to Palmer’s form.
“First of all it’s about to have the space for him,” began the former Spurs boss, when quizzed on fellow Englishman Noni Madueke.
“Because when the club signed Cole Palmer, he (Madueke) was also here at the club and they’re in the same position.
“It’s all about adaptation and trying to find the dynamic where him and Palmer can play together.
“Hopefully he can be consistent playing in the starting XI and show his quality. But always it’s about to find the right balance in the team.”
Madueke, 22, joined from Dutch giants PSV in January 2023 but has struggled to find a way into the Argentine’s plans.
The England Under-21 international has started just five Premier League games in 2023/24 but did make several appearances during the Blues’ run to the Carabao Cup final, scoring two goals.
Costing the club in the region of £30million, Madueke has admitted that he feels comfortable in west London, despite their talk of a potential loan move circulating in recent weeks.
“Chelsea definitely feels like home,” he recently told club media.
“It’s been a great few months of learning for me with some successes too, on an individual note.
“Everyone here has huge aspirations, individually and collectively, but I feel like the process we’re in right now is just about getting a little bit better every day, getting better every game, and growing closer.”