Cole Palmer has made a big change this season that is really helping Chelsea

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It has not taken new manager Enzo Maresca long to work out who the most crucial player is at Chelsea right now.

Fresh off a sensational first season in Blue, Cole Palmer has very much picked up where he left off at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues were lucky enough to not lose him during the international break either, with the injury concern that saw him pull out of England duty.

• READ MORE: What Cole Palmer has now done more times than Erling Haaland after his goal against West Ham

Palmer again was brilliant in the London derby against West Ham, with the Blues picking up a 3-0 win away from home.

The £45m man scored the third goal of the game, however what was really notable is some of the changes to his game he has made this season.

Cole Palmer dropping deeper for Chelsea

While frequently cropping up on the right-wing last year, he has instead found himself occupying a more central role under Maresca.

However, what is really interesting is the deep positions he is picking the ball up, and dictating the play from those areas.

A lot of the running in behind is being done by Nicolas Jackson. The duo seem to have struck up a really good partnership already.

Palmer and Nicolas Jackson linking up well

Both of Palmer’s goals this season have been set up by the Senegal international, who is certainly proving some of the doubters about his game wrong.

Changing the England international’s role and responsibilities has allowed an extra recognised attacker to be on the pitch, with that role currently falling with Jadon Sancho.

In just two halves of football, the loanee from Manchester United has two assists to his name, and is slowly building up his match fitness.

There are plenty of options waiting in the wings for the wide roles too. Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku are all waiting patiently to be given their chance to feature on a more regular basis.

Whichever configuration the boss goes with, Palmer is one player who is going to be crucial to what they are doing.