Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly contemplating a major tactical adjustment involving Cole Palmer, one of the team’s key players this season. Typically utilized in a central attacking position, Palmer’s versatility has caught Maresca’s attention for a deeper role that could enhance his influence in midfield.
This potential shift is inspired by Palmer’s recent performance for England, where he played in a double pivot midfield role, a position he hasn’t often occupied at Chelsea. Although this strategy didn’t fully succeed for England, Palmer showcased his ability to receive the ball deep, turn, and advance play. This experiment has opened up new tactical possibilities for Maresca, who might consider a similar setup against teams where Chelsea is expected to control possession.
Currently, Maresca’s favored attacking quartet includes Palmer, Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson, with players like Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, and Pedro Neto often on the bench. Balancing such an array of attacking talent is challenging, and Maresca has emphasized the need for defensive stability, stating in September that having too many attackers would compromise that balance.
Despite these concerns, he might still consider pushing Palmer into midfield while adding another forward, like Felix, Nkunku, or Neto. This would allow Chelsea to adopt a more aggressive approach in matches where they anticipate having the ball more. However, this strategy would require disciplined tactics to avoid vulnerabilities to counterattacks.
To ensure defensive stability, midfielder Moises Caicedo would play a pivotal role. This season, he has demonstrated his ability to support the defense and disrupt the opposition’s play. If Palmer moves deeper, Caicedo would need to cover more ground to protect the backline from any gaps left by an additional attacker.
Ultimately, it’s uncertain whether Maresca will implement this tactical change. While Palmer’s recent England performance suggests new possibilities, Maresca’s focus on balance indicates any adjustments will be made cautiously. Nevertheless, Palmer’s versatility provides Chelsea with various options as they aim to sustain their strong performance throughout the season.
