Mikel is wrong: Don’t blame Cole Palmer’s position for poor performances

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the Chelsea News

·4 March 2026

Mikel is wrong: Don’t blame Cole Palmer’s position for poor performances

Jon Obi Mikel has blamed Cole Palmer’s position under Liam Rosenior for his poor form. We think very differently.

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Jon Obi Mikel has been back on his podcast again, and his dislike of Liam Rosenior has brought him to a new issue.

“Why are you playing Cole Palmer out of his position? Cole Palmer is our best player,” Mikel said on his most recent episode.

“Play Palmer as a number 10, which is where every Chelsea fan, me included, wants to see Cole Palmer. So if Liam Rosenior is listening, please, start by playing Cole Palmer in his favourite position.”

Palmer’s problems much deeper than his position

Cole Palmer looks frustrated against Burnley. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

We’re not sure if Mikel has been watching the games, but what he says just isn’t accurate. Palmer has been used on the right, but also also been central and even on the left at times. He’s essentially

His best work against Arsenal at the weekend was picking the ball up centrally, where he found space in the first half. When he’s on the right, it’s usually to accommodate Enzo Fernandez playing further forward, which in turn accommodates a double pivot of Andrey Santos with Moises Caicedo, something that’s been working really well.

How many Chelsea fans would play Palmer as a strict number ten if it meant dropping Santos? Not many, we’re sure. Palmer’s issue is physical, which has in turn led to mental issues. His position is not the main worry right now.