Cole Palmer sends clear message during training as Chelsea performances questioned

Cole Palmer has been Chelsea's best - and fittest - player in training as he bids to rediscover his best form, according to Enzo Maresca.

Palmer, 22, has endured a difficult few weeks along with the Blues, who have dropped to seventh in the Premier League after winning just two of their last 10 games.

The attacking midfielder has not scored since mid-January, where he netted in Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. But despite his six-match barren run, he's still been catching the eye in training.

When he was asked if Palmer had trained harder given how things have been going recently, Maresca explained: “Yeah absolutely. I will tell you one detail that is very important.

“Every six or seven months we do a physical test. So we did one in pre-season and we did another last week and [Palmer] was the strongest one. The one that won the test.

“So that's sure that he has desire not only on the ball, but he is working hard and he's doing fantastic. I absolutely love that.

“Every game, we expect a goal or assist from him. Because everyone relies on Cole, people see Cole as the solution. But the solution at the end has to be always the team.”

Palmer enjoyed a career-best 2023-24 campaign after moving to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City, where he racked up a staggering 33 goal contributions: more than any other Premier League player.

The England star has 20 to his name so far this term, although only two of those have come since December. His uncharacteristic dry patch has coincided with Chelsea's own run of poor form. But Maresca insisted he had not considered resting Palmer for Tuesday night's match against rock bottom Southampton when the question was put to him.

“No to be honest. He is always someone who can do something different. Top players can do that. In terms of the numbers, of goals and assists, it’s a moment where he struggles. But he is getting into the right positions. I am not concerned about Cole as he is a human being and he will have some moments where he struggles.

“The problem is we rely on Cole for everything and I have said from the start we need to rely on the team.”

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