Maresca Can Solve Chelsea’s Striker Crisis by Deploying Palmer in New Role

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been dealing with an injury crisis in attack recently, forcing him to use players out of position up front. With strikers Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu sidelined, Maresca has experimented with wingers Pedro Neto and Christopher Nkunku as makeshift center forwards.

However, this tactical adjustment has not yielded positive results. Neto’s pace and dribbling skills are neutralized in a central role, while Nkunku is less effective when not playing off a traditional striker. As a result, Chelsea’s attack has lacked potency in recent matches.

To solve this dilemma, Maresca should consider deploying Cole Palmer as a false nine. Although not a natural striker, Palmer’s statistical output suggests he could thrive in this role:

• 1.6 shots on target per 90 minutes (team high)
• 82% pass accuracy
• 2.6 chances created per 90 minutes
• 2 fouls won per 90 minutes

Palmer’s ability to link play, create chances, and get shots on target make him an intriguing option as a central attacker. This move would also allow Neto and Nkunku to return to their preferred wide positions, potentially reinvigorating Chelsea’s attack.

With Champions League qualification at stake, Maresca needs to maximize his squad’s potential in the final months of the season. Deploying Palmer as a false nine could be the tactical adjustment Chelsea needs to finish the campaign strongly and secure a top-four finish.