Enzo Maresca shares the surprising Chelsea player who won strength test in training, he beat ‘powerful’ Reece James

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The physicality of the current Chelsea squad has been called into question of late.

It has become a regular theme for the Blues to start well and take the lead in games, only for them to fade away late on.

Injuries have certainly played a part, with them unable to rotate nearly as much as they had been in the first half of the season. Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu’s issue have left no recognised first team striker available for selection.

There has not been a lot to shout about at Stamford Bridge of late. Two wins in 10 in the Premier League has seen them drop from second all the way to seventh.

The players’ frustration is beginning to show as well. Cole Palmer is one of those who is getting visibly fed up of their poor results.

Cole Palmer wins Chelsea’s physicality test in training

It looks as if some of that anger is towards his teammates too. Palmer lost it with Christopher Nkunku after a pass went astray in the final third in their last game against Aston Villa.

There are times though where the England international will feel he could be doing no more. Palmer has created so many chances in recent weeks, however none of them have resulted in assists for him.

As the England international has seen criticism come his way for recent performances, manager Enzo Maresca has defended his star man by sharing how he is actually pushing the hardest for success in training.

He said to Nizaar Kinsella: “Last week we had a physical test. We did it in pre-season. We did it last week. And he was, of all the squad, the strongest one, the one that ‘won’ the test. And it was a physical test. That shows his desire not only on the ball.

“He is working hard. He is showing his desire. He is doing fantastic. But because everyone is relying on Cole, people see in Cole always the solution. But the solution has to be the team.”

This means Palmer would have beaten club captain Reece James, who despite injuries remains one of the strongest players in the league.

James has previously been described as ‘powerful’ by Andy Townsend to TalkSPORT, and he is beginning to show signs of his old self.

James started in midfield against Aston Villa, and looked comfortable in there alongside Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.

Enzo Maresca coy about Cole Palmer exit talk

Maresca was also asked about the prospect of Palmer leaving the club should the Blues miss out on Champions League football for next season.

Maresca refused to rule out Palmer wanting out if they didn’t meet those goals, however further insinuated he is focusing on the task in hand.

It has been reported Palmer has no exit clause in his deal, with him one of the players signing an extremely long contract with the Blues.

The focus will shift to the next game, with Chelsea hosting Southampton at Stamford Bridge as they look to get their top four push back on track.