Most shots, most key passes, most chances created – but Maresca’s big task this week is how to manage his superstar | OneFootball

Cole Palmer was already the centre of attention at Chelsea as his run without a goal or assist grew game by game.

Yesterday’s game ramped things up to a new level as he missed a penalty to really crystalise his bad form into one moment.

There’s no doubt he’s struggling, and you don’t have to watch him for long to see it. But things should be put in perspective. A look down the list at Chelsea’s stat leaders for this season make it clear that the good still massively outweighs the bad.

Who is the top rated player in Chelsea’s squad according to SofaScore rating? Cole Palmer. Most goals scored? Cole Palmer. Most xG? Cole Palmer. Most assists? Cole Palmer. Most expected assists? Cole Palmer. Most shots per game? Cole Palmer. Most shots on target per game? Cole Palmer. Most big chances created? Cole Palmer. Most key passes per game? Cole Palmer.

That rather puts things in perspective.

Palmer needs careful management from Enzo Maresca

Cole Palmer looks rueful after missing his first penalty for Chelsea. (Photo by Chris Lee/Chelsea FC)

Even when things were going well for Cole, it was always clear that he would end up with periods like this. He takes risks, takes shots and does the most difficult thing most times that he’s on the ball. That’s a style that’s bound to produce some ridiculously productive periods and some very unproductive ones too. We’ve now seen both at Chelsea.

The interesting part now is how Enzo Maresca manages him psychologically. After the penalty miss his confidence is likely to be as low as it’s been in years, and he needs to be carefully handed.

It feels like it will take just one goal to restore his cool – but we’ve been saying that for a few weeks now.