The potential fallout of Chelsea’s ongoing downward spiral could very well be the restlessness of their star player, 22-year-old Cole Palmer. As the Blues face the growing threat of missing out on Champions League qualification for another season, whispers of discontent are beginning to stir among their ranks.
The echoes of jubilant chants of “We’ve got our Chelsea back” following their resounding victory against Southampton in December have faded into the background. A mere two months later, the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is fraught with tension, culminating in a protest against the club’s owners prior to their home game against Southampton.
The crux of the discontent stems from fans’ struggle to reconcile with the youth-centric recruitment strategy employed by the club. The majority shareholder, Clearlake Capital, has embarked on an aggressive change in tactics, leaving many to feel that the wealth of experience and knowledge that once resided within the club has evaporated since the end of the Abramovich era.
Chelsea’s squad, brimming with raw talent but noticeably lacking in seasoned leadership, has left them rudderless and vulnerable in the face of adversity. The club’s investment of over £1bn in a long-term strategy of nurturing young talent to be the future of the club may be a visionary move, but it also raises questions about their short-term performance.
The club’s star player, Cole Palmer, has shown signs of frustration during recent matches. Despite having an impressive season, with 14 goals to his name and numerous game-changing moments, Palmer seems to be feeling the strain of the club’s turbulent times. His body language during the 3-0 loss to Brighton and the 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa spoke volumes about his state of mind.
Palmer’s rising status in the football world means he is no longer the surprise package he once was. Teams are paying more attention to him, making efforts to crowd him out and increase pressure on him. While this could be seen as a challenge for Palmer to rise to, Chelsea’s recent form – a mere two wins in their last 10 games – amplifies the need for him to step up.
However, the reliance on a young player like Palmer is not a sustainable solution. Despite showing leadership during the game against Wolves, Palmer needs the support of experienced players during challenging times. Chelsea greats, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard, have emphasised the importance of this dynamic.
Without the guidance of seasoned players, there is a risk that Palmer might fall into bad habits. His recent performances have shown a decline in his expected-goals data and he has been shooting from less favourable positions. Despite this, his creativity remains undiminished and he continues to be a valuable asset to the club.
As Chelsea strives to find their footing amidst their current slump, the question remains: Will they be able to keep their star player, Cole Palmer, from becoming restless?