Chris Sutton has jumped to the defence of one Chelsea star after some recent criticism.
Chelsea have actually performed well this season, especially the team’s attackers. Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Jadon Sancho and Nicolas Jackson have all been a threat for the Blues.
In the Premier League, Palmer has scored six goals, while Madueke and Jackson have both scored four each. As for Sancho, he has three assists in four games.
However, Palmer has been criticised for his performance in England’s 3-1 win against Finland over the weekend.
Chris Sutton defends Cole Palmer
The Daily Mail’s Ian Ladyman is one person who was not too impressed with Palmer during this international break, claiming that he did not do a single thing in either of England’s two matches.
Sutton, though, was quick to defend the attacking midfielder and the Three Lions’ other offensive players.
In response to Ladyman, Sutton said on It’s All Kicking Off!: “You’re talking about players who their club form is sensational.
“And when they put the England jersey on, we are talking about two games with Cole Palmer. Let’s not write him off.”
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards isn’t a fan of Palmer playing out wide, which is where the 22-year-old started against Finland.
Lee Carsley’s Cole Palmer dilemma
Palmer can play on the right. He was often deployed there last season at Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino.
However, what the former City man has shown this term is that he probably is at his best when he is playing in the No.10 role.
That is where Enzo Maresca has used the £45m attacker and he has thrived there. Palmer registered yet another assist in Chelsea’s last game just before the international break.
The problem that Lee Carsley has, though, is that Jude Bellingham is also very effective in central positions. It was the Real Madrid star who scored England’s only goal in their 2-1 defeat to Greece last Thursday.
There is also Phil Foden, so it may just not be possible for Carsley to start Palmer in the No.10 role for England.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
