Amid their disappointing Premier League campaign this season, Chelsea qualified for the semifinal of the FA Cup by beating Leicester City 4-2 in the quarterfinal. The Blues will face the mighty Manchester City in the semifinal, which might prove to be too tough an obstacle. However, Chelsea then drew with Burnley 2-2 in their last Premier League match.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men are not even in the top half of the Premier League table at the moment, languishing in the 11th position with 40 points from 28 matches. Despite the outside chance of winning the FA Cup still being there, the Blues will feel that all is not lost yet.
Cole Palmer has been the stand-out player for Chelsea this season
During a campaign that has seen very few players enhance their reputation, the 21-year-old Palmer has been the player who has caught the attention for the Blues. With 16 goals and 10 assists in 35 matches this season, he has been one of the better performing players in England. He scored a brace against Burnley in the Blues’ latest match.
Additionally, he has played on the right flank, as the No. 10, and as the false nine. This goes on to show his versatility and also his utility to the team. While being at Manchester City, his previous club, Palmer won a number of titles, but had little to contribute to those successes as a player.
However, in the ongoing season, he has made his mark as a top attacking player. If it were not for him, the Blues would have been in a more ignominious position in the league table.
Palmer might make it to the European Championships as well
Palmer earned his first call-up to the English national team last November. If his current from continues, he might well be able to get a spot in the English squad for the European Championships as well. It will be a big achievement for the youngster, given the kind of quality England have among their midfielders and attacking players at the moment.
However, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and James Maddison already being there, Palmer’s dream of playing at the European Championships might not get fulfilled this time around. Irrespective of whether that happens or not, the young man should be proud of his performance this season.
Chelsea should try hard to improve their position in the league table
Chelsea will face Manchester United next in the Premier League in midweek and then Sheffield United next weekend. Thereafter, they will play Everton and then their FA Cup semifinal against Manchester City. The Blues should try to obtain as many points as possible from those matches to get themselves into a better position.
Should they not be able to finish inside the top half for the second successive season, Pochettino will find it difficult to keep his job. The only thing going in his favour might be the fact that he is into his first season as the manager of Chelsea and thereby might get another opportunity. However, the young Palmer will continue to be an important part in Chelsea’s scheme of things either way.