Former Chelsea forward Demba Ba has added his voice to the discussion about Cole Palmer`s current form, suggesting that the young star might be feeling isolated.
Palmer, 22, enjoyed a remarkable debut season at Stamford Bridge, contributing 22 goals and 11 assists.
However, this season his goal count has decreased to 14, and he has gone 16 games without finding the net.
Ba, famous for his crucial goal against Liverpool while playing for Chelsea, explained how Palmer could overcome his current difficulties, drawing a parallel to the legendary rivalry in football between Messi and Ronaldo.
In an interview, Ba stated, “Competition benefits everyone.”
“It was beneficial for me, and I believe Lionel Messi`s success is partly due to the competition from Cristiano Ronaldo, and vice versa. I firmly believe that competition is a positive force.”
“A player like Cole Palmer lacks extensive experience in football and life in general. Football is a reflection of life, with its share of challenges.”
“But having a seasoned mentor to rely on can help navigate difficult periods.”
“Palmer is currently experiencing a tough phase, and despite his resilience and continued effort, something seems to be missing.”
“He would greatly benefit from the guidance of someone who has faced similar situations before.”
Ba, who scored seven goals in 33 appearances for Chelsea, also defended Christopher Nkunku, who was surprisingly absent from Chelsea`s victory over Fulham. Nkunku`s form has been inconsistent, partly due to injuries.
Despite his previous impressive performances for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, Nkunku has been frequently sidelined, making only seven league starts and scoring three goals this season.
As Chelsea aims for a Champions League spot, Ba understands Nkunku`s efforts to establish himself but suggests that the forward could gain from displaying more presence and leadership.
Ba added: “I wouldn’t say Chelsea lacks strikers. Looking at Nkunku, he is still trying to prove himself in the Premier League.”
“However, the crucial aspects are experience and personality. They need someone with the personality to handle pressure, someone resilient to setbacks, and someone who can command respect from the younger players.”
Marcus Bellamy