Paul Merson Criticizes Cole Palmer's Chelsea Position, Suggests Tactical Changes

Former footballer and commentator Paul Merson has expressed his concern about Cole Palmer's current position at Chelsea, suggesting the player is being 'wasted' on the right wing. Palmer, who joined the club from Manchester City for £40 million in 2023, has proven to be a revelation. He has accumulated 53 goals and 32 assists in 122 appearances for the 'Blues'.

The 23-year-old attacker was named PFA Young Player of the Year after his magnificent debut season at Stamford Bridge and played a key role in the club's Europa Conference League victory last season.

However, Merson believes Palmer's performance is not the same at present, partly due to injuries that have prevented him from playing 11 Premier League games. The Sky Sports News commentator, also a lifelong Chelsea fan, believes Palmer should play in a more central position so he can 'make things happen'.

Merson, in his analysis for Sky Sports News, suggested that the coach should line up Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in midfield, put Palmer in the number 10 position and deploy Estevao and Pedro Neto on the wings, with Joao Pedro as center forward. According to Merson, Palmer is not the fastest player and cannot outrun defenders. The football analyst also suggests that the team needs to go back to its key players and play in their favorite positions to have the best chance of getting back to winning ways after four consecutive defeats in all competitions.

In addition, Merson emphasized the importance of the team 'having a go' against Manchester City, rather than playing with two defensive midfielders and putting Palmer on the wing. Merson also mentioned that the club could be tempted to sell Palmer in the summer market, given the transfer model adopted since Todd Boehly's takeover in 2022. The former Arsenal, Aston Villa and England player added: 'The fans want to see Estevao playing too'.

Merson also warned that more players might want to leave the club if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, highlighting the importance of the next seven games, starting with the home match against Manchester City. The former footballer explained that players want to play in the Champions League and on the big stages.

Merson believes that Chelsea is not set up to win the Premier League in 38 games and that, if a good offer is presented for Palmer, the club could consider selling him. The analyst also believes that Palmer should play in the number 10 position, where he is most comfortable and where he could have the opportunity to play for the England national team. Merson hopes that the club will be patient with coach Liam Rosenior, giving him the opportunity to lead the club back to the top of the Premier League.

Merson also addressed the issue of coaches' experience in English football, arguing that young coaches are often expected to have immediate results, without giving them enough time to develop their work. Merson cited examples of coaches who, after a few defeats, were fired, and stressed the importance of giving coaches the opportunity to learn and grow.

Merson concluded that football changes quickly and that Rosenior needs to get results to gain the fans' confidence. The match against Manchester City is key, and a victory could change the team's situation. Merson also highlighted the importance of Chelsea having Cole Palmer on the field in the right position.