Pochettino unlocks Chelsea’s attackers, creating and scoring goals

Jon Obi Mikel is on a big press push to promote his excellent podcast, and part of that has involved him going on CNN.

They asked him about Chelsea this season of course, and he had some great answers about the players he likes right now. Top of the list – as is the case with most Blues fans right now – is Cole Palmer.

Mikel had some great words about the exciting forward:

“What [Mauricio Pochettino] does with young players is absolutely fantastic. Look what he’s doing with Palmer now. He’s come from Manchester City. He didn’t play as many games as he wanted. He’s come to Chelsea and he’s performing really well. It’s like a different player.

“He’s creating chances, scoring goals and also the confidence that he has, the arrogance that he has now. And I think that transfers from the manager. The manager’s probably given him that and said: ‘Go out there, be who you are and perform the way you want to perform.’ And that freedom has just given him that.

“He expresses himself, a little bit of arrogance, a little bit of cheekiness here and there. That’s what we want, that’s what we need and the performances will come with that.”

After the whole team disappointed against Newcastle, we really hope Palmer can get back to his best tomorrow and remind us all why we were gushing so much over our new signing. He’s got an important role to play once again as the creative link between the lines, and the team are relying on him despite his inexperience. It’s a tough role to be in, but we really believe he’s got the character to make it a success.