Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson all got their names on the scoresheet in Chelsea’s 5-0 win against West Ham United today.
Nicolas Jackson even managed to grab a brace, his 15th and 16th goals of the season.
The truth is, though, Chelsea have been a bit of a one-man team at times this term. Who knows where they would be without Palmer?
The England international is still just 21 and only joined the Blues last summer but is already their best player. In 42 appearances, Palmer has scored 24 goals and provided 13 assists — there is no denying the previous statement.
However, in some of Chelsea’s recent games, including their latest one against West Ham, one player is starting to show that he has the ability to share the mantle with Palmer next term.
Chelsea cannot afford to over-rely on Cole Palmer next season
Palmer has obviously done an excellent job in the current campaign and Mauricio Pochettino will want to see more of the same in the next one.
That being said, Chelsea cannot fall into the trap of pinning everything on the former Manchester City man again.
If the Blues’ other attackers were as consistent as Palmer has been earlier in the season, the Blues would probably be competing for that final Champions League spot.
Next term, then, who could help take some of the pressure off Palmer?
Noni Madueke can stop Chelsea from being a one-man team next season
Noni Madueke really impressed in Chelsea’s 5-0 hammering of West Ham earlier, scoring one goal and setting up another.
The 22-year-old also had some great games last month, firing past Sheffield United with a fantastic strike and winning a late penalty against Manchester United.
Overall, he is an absolute threat on the flank with his dribbling, ranking in the 95th percentile for successful take-ons among attacking midfielders and wingers over the last 12 months (FBref).
However, today, he also proved to be a danger with his passing. According to WhoScored, Madueke made six key passes, more than any other player on the pitch.
Pochettino hailed one of Madueke’s recent performances as “amazing”. You can say the same about his latest against West Ham, which is more evidence that the former PSV Eindhoven star can help Chelsea to shake off their one-man team tag next season.
Related Topics
