{"id":1441024,"date":"2026-04-01T14:30:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T13:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1441024"},"modified":"2026-04-01T14:30:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T13:30:18","slug":"tactical-analysis-cole-palmer-conundrum","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-cole-palmer-conundrum\/","title":{"rendered":"Cole Palmer analysis: The Cole conundrum needs solving before the World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Cole Palmer has struggled this season for Chelsea, missing 10 games through injury and being constantly hampered by those injuries even when fit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 23-year-old has been suffering with repetitive groin issues since the FIFA Club World Cup, which has seen him have a stop start season, having his minutes managed and struggling to get back to full fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, with the World Cup on the horizon and the England international finally able to feature under Thomas Tuchel again, he will be hoping to revitalise his form at the right moment, in order to earn his spot on the plane and rescue Chelsea&#8217;s season which remains in the balance as things stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-season-so-far\" data-level=\"2\">Season so far<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-tactical-platforming\" data-level=\"2\">Tactical platforming<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-provocative-palmer\" data-level=\"2\">Provocative Palmer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-stride-coming-back-too-late\" data-level=\"2\">Stride coming back too late?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-season-so-far\">Season so far<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Palmer has scored 10 goals in his 25 appearances in all competitions this season, providing just three assists in his 1,733 minutes played.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Six of his nine Premier League goals this season have come since the arrival of Liam Rosenior, with four of those six goals coming from the penalty spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230351\/player_-smart-radar-8-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1441031\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230351\/player_-smart-radar-8-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230351\/player_-smart-radar-8-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230351\/player_-smart-radar-8-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230351\/player_-smart-radar-8-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230351\/player_-smart-radar-8-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230351\/player_-smart-radar-8-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230351\/player_-smart-radar-8-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230351\/player_-smart-radar-8-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230351\/player_-smart-radar-8-32x40.jpg 32w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230351\/player_-smart-radar-8.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Palmer is struggling to find the levels of chance creation and goal scoring from open play that he has in previous seasons, only creating three big chances in the Premier League this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many outsiders have put that down to the attacking dynamics at Chelsea, losing Nicolas Jackson who had a good connection with the Englishman and lacking runners in the frontline for Palmer to pick out.<\/p>\n\n\n<hr \/>\r\n<h2>SpreadEx Sign-Up Offer:\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n<p>SpreadEx are offering new customers the chance to get \u00a360 in free bets when they join and place \u00a310 in qualifying bets.<\/p>\r\n<p>To claim this offer, follow these steps:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Create your account by clicking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/spreadex?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this link<\/a> or the image below.<\/li>\r\n<li>Register for your account by adding your details. It only takes a few minutes.<\/li>\r\n<li>Make your first deposit then place a \u00a310 single or \u00a310 each-way fixed odds bet at minimum odds of 1\/2<\/li>\r\n<li>Get 3 x \u00a310 free fixed odds bets, 3 x \u00a35 Total Goals football spread bets and 3 x \u00a35 Winning Favourites spread bets on consecutive days and a \u00a31 racing Race Index spread bet<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1393518\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-1024x523.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-1024x523.png 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-300x153.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-768x392.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-400x204.png 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-392x200.png 392w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-118x60.png 118w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-150x77.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-40x20.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86.png 1338w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<div class=\"bookmaker-review\">\r\n<div class=\"bookmaker-review__bet\">\r\n<div class=\"warning\">\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. 18+ www.gambleaware.org. Place a \u00a310 fixed odds single or \u00a310 each-way bet at minimum odds of 1\/2 and get 3 x \u00a310 free fixed odds bets, 3 x \u00a35 Total Goals football spread bets and 3 x \u00a35 Winning Favourites spread bets and a \u00a31 racing Race Index spread bet. \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\r\n<hr \/><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tactical-platforming\">Tactical platforming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The way Palmer is currently being platformed under Liam Rosenior is interesting, because the idea of giving him lots of bodies in close proximity to combine, along with maximum freedom and license to roam is good in theory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232438\/TACTICALista_20263302323-1-1024x768.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1441042\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232438\/TACTICALista_20263302323-1-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232438\/TACTICALista_20263302323-1-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232438\/TACTICALista_20263302323-1-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232438\/TACTICALista_20263302323-1-1536x1152.png 1536w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232438\/TACTICALista_20263302323-1-356x267.png 356w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232438\/TACTICALista_20263302323-1-267x200.png 267w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232438\/TACTICALista_20263302323-1-80x60.png 80w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232438\/TACTICALista_20263302323-1-150x113.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232438\/TACTICALista_20263302323-1-40x30.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232438\/TACTICALista_20263302323-1.png 1760w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tacticalista.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Image via Tacticalista<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When starting as the number 10, once Rosenior&#8217;s side shift into their 2-2-5-1 shape, Palmer finds himself in the middle of a &#8220;triple 10s&#8221; set up behind the striker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being in the middle means Palmer has license to roam to either side, creating overloads and sensing the moment of when to adjust his position to put himself in the best conditions to recieve the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232448\/TACTICALista_20263302324-1024x768.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1441043\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232448\/TACTICALista_20263302324-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232448\/TACTICALista_20263302324-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232448\/TACTICALista_20263302324-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232448\/TACTICALista_20263302324-1536x1152.png 1536w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232448\/TACTICALista_20263302324-356x267.png 356w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232448\/TACTICALista_20263302324-267x200.png 267w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232448\/TACTICALista_20263302324-80x60.png 80w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232448\/TACTICALista_20263302324-150x113.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232448\/TACTICALista_20263302324-40x30.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30232448\/TACTICALista_20263302324.png 1760w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tacticalista.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Image via Tacticalista<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>However, in the past few games, Palmer has been shifted out to the right wing, drifting inside with the right-back providing width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This has seen Palmer drifting across from the right half space, leading to left-sided clusters, shutting off their right-sided options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While this balance could be fixed with someone like Estevao interchanging positions with Palmer, it has recently created an imbalance in Chelsea&#8217;s attacking play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-provocative-palmer\">Provocative Palmer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Palmer was often criticised under Enzo Maresca for dropping into deeper areas to pick up the ball, being involved in the build up phase and looking to progress play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The way he can utilise his fakes to deceive the opposition press, bait multiple players towards him and find others in space is a tool many managers would like to have available to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Platforming Palmer in this way also conditions him to hunt possession of the ball, get as many touches as possible and be the one taking charge, which empowers him, provides confidence and feeds into his game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230658\/player_-pitch-5-stats-18-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1441033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230658\/player_-pitch-5-stats-18-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230658\/player_-pitch-5-stats-18-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230658\/player_-pitch-5-stats-18-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230658\/player_-pitch-5-stats-18-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230658\/player_-pitch-5-stats-18-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230658\/player_-pitch-5-stats-18-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230658\/player_-pitch-5-stats-18-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230658\/player_-pitch-5-stats-18-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230658\/player_-pitch-5-stats-18-32x40.jpg 32w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/30230658\/player_-pitch-5-stats-18.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another benefit this has is where Palmer arrives from once entering the final third, making it more difficult for the opposition to pick him up, giving more space for his final action once he arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An ideal blend is to have wide triangles which have fluidity to replace each other zonally, allowing Palmer to drop deep, get touches and progress play, but also receive between the lines, making it difficult for the opposition to predict the next action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Enzo Fernandez has a similar role as part of the left-sided triangle for Chelsea, often interchanging with Marc Cucurella to give him the best of both worlds, effectively platforming the best areas of his game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stride-coming-back-too-late\">Stride coming back too late?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Thomas Tuchel stated &#8220;I had the feeling his stride was back to the original lengths&#8221; when speaking on Palmer&#8217;s injury struggles this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, despite playing a big part coming from the bench in England&#8217;s 1-1 draw against Uruguay, whipping in the corner from which Ben White scored the opener, Palmer&#8217;s performance against Japan left a lot to be desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Palmer looked void of ideas in the congested central spaces against Japan, taking plenty of touches without purpose and lacking any cutting edge in the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the season is reaching its final stretch, Palmer will have every chance to prove himself as a game changer for Chelsea with the season still very much in the balance, and with Tuchel looking on, he will know a confident version of Palmer who is willing to take risks and hunt the ball for touches could be a key component for his England World Cup squad.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/premier-league\/\"><strong>Premier League predictions &amp; tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/outright-markets\/premier-league-title-odds\/\"><strong>Premier League outright odds <\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cole Palmer has struggled this season for Chelsea, missing 10 games through injury and being constantly hampered by those injuries even when fit. The 23-year-old has been suffering with repetitive groin issues since the FIFA Club World Cup, which has seen him have a stop start season, having his minutes managed and struggling to get&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3107,"featured_media":1441029,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Cole Palmer has struggled this season for Chelsea, but can he find his feet again prior to this summer's World Cup?","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1441024","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Cole Palmer analysis: The Cole conundrum needs solving before the World Cup 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