Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £42.5 million deal in 2023, has been a standout performer. His phenomenal debut season saw him crowned Premier League Young Player of the Year after netting 22 goals and providing 11 assists.
Despite his undeniable talent and contribution, Mikel believes there is room for improvement when it comes to Palmer’s performances in high-stakes games.
This season, Palmer has continued to shine with seven goals and five assists in just 11 matches. However, there’s a growing narrative that he struggles to leave a mark in crucial matches.
While his record includes a hat-trick against Manchester United and a vital penalty against Manchester City last season, Mikel pointed out that Palmer has been less impactful in key games against top-tier opponents like Liverpool, Arsenal, and United this season.
On his *Obi One Podcast*, Mikel shared:
*”I’m a huge fan of Cole Palmer, as are most Chelsea fans. But when it comes to the big games, that’s where I want to see more from him. Against City, Liverpool, and United, he was quiet. It’s not about his talent—it’s there—but I’d love to see him step up, deliver those key assists, or make a game-changing impact. Look at players like Lamine Yamal; they rise to the occasion in big matches.”*
Mikel clarified that his comments come from admiration for Palmer and his desire to see him reach new heights. He concluded by playfully addressing fans, saying, *”Chelsea fans, don’t come for me. We all love Cole Palmer. I just want to see him dominate those big moments.”*
