Cole Palmer Set to Face the Same Tactical Challenges as Jude Bellingham, Warns Paul Merson”

Paul Merson believes that Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is set to face the same challenges that have impacted Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham. Both players, representing England in the upcoming Nations League clash against Greece, are in the spotlight due to their exceptional form.

Palmer, 22, has had a fantastic start to his second season with Chelsea, contributing 11 goals in just seven Premier League matches. His performances have earned him a spot in WhoScored’s Premier League Team of the Season so far, thanks to his impressive play in the No. 10 role.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, now in his second season with Real Madrid, has struggled to replicate his previous goal-scoring form. Despite not finding the net in his first eight matches, he remains a vital part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

Merson, speaking to Sky Sports, suggests that Palmer will eventually face the same challenges as Bellingham. He explains that opposition teams will begin to single out Palmer, just as they’ve done with Bellingham, in an attempt to neutralize his attacking threat.

“When you play at No. 10 in international football, it’s a whole different ball game. Teams start to figure you out,” Merson said. “It’s happened to Bellingham, and Palmer is next in line to experience this. But while he’s in form, you’ve got to keep playing him.”

Palmer’s unpredictability on the pitch is a key strength, making it difficult for teams to devise a strategy to stop him. Whether he can maintain this level as teams start to target him more remains to be seen, but for now, his form is hard to ignore.