Cole Palmer proves he can dominate from deep positions

In the 2023-24 Premier League season, Cole Palmer has emerged as a key player for Chelsea Football Club, demonstrating exceptional versatility despite his primary role as a No 10. Since the beginning of the season, Palmer has been utilized in various positions, including starting on the right side of the pitch during Chelsea's first match, where they faced a 2-0 defeat against his former club, Manchester City. Despite this loss, Palmer’s ability to create scoring opportunities has made him a marked man among opponents, which has forced his teammates to step up and perform better. As of now, Palmer boasts an impressive record of 17 goal involvements, trailing only behind Liverpool's Mohamed Salah with 21. This statistic highlights not only Palmer’s individual skill but also the growing reliance of Chelsea’s attack on his contributions. Furthermore, his calculated movements on the pitch often take him into positions that are unexpected for a typical No 10, allowing him to evade tighter marking from defenders and assist his teammates effectively. Throughout this season, he has showcased his scoring ability, converting all 12 penalties he has taken, thereby establishing a perfect penalty conversion record in the Premier League era. Palmer's performance contrasts sharply with that of his predecessor, Mason Mount, who relied heavily on positioning to receive progressive passes. Unlike Mount, Palmer often drops deep into midfield, creating chances from a distance, while also making crucial runs into the channels when opportunities arise. His adaptability and skill have made him an influential player in Chelsea’s campaign, making a case for his rising prominence in English football. His extraordinary performances this season raise important questions about how Chelsea will evolve its attacking strategies, given his unique style of play compared to more traditional No 10s.