"He Keeps disappearing" – John Obi Mikel Raises Concern Over Chelsea Star After Poor Display Against Flamengo

John Obi Mikel has expressed his concern over Cole Palmer’s recent form following another quiet showing in Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Flamengo in the Club World Cup.

Palmer, who was Chelsea’s standout performer in his first season after joining from Manchester City, struggled to make an impact in Friday’s crucial group-stage match in Philadelphia. The 22-year-old England international barely influenced the game and was eventually substituted late on as the Blues chased an equaliser.

Chelsea legend Mikel, speaking as a pundit for DAZN, admitted Palmer’s form is now becoming a “worrying” pattern and suggested that the midfielder needs help from the coaching staff to deal with growing pressure.

“It is a bit worrying,” Mikel said. “Cole is a fantastic player, everything goes through him but sometimes he disappears in games where you don’t see him — and that has happened again.”

“He needs to know that he is now a marked man. Teams know if you take out Cole Palmer, you can stop Chelsea’s rhythm.”

Palmer had a superb debut season in 2023–24, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions. But his output dropped noticeably in the second half of the 2024–25 campaign, with just one Premier League goal since January — and that came from the penalty spot.

Mikel suggested that Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca might need to make tactical adjustments to help Palmer find space and be more effective.

“Maybe the manager needs to help him in terms of navigating games and opponents,” Mikel added. “Maybe try to free him, give him more space. If he plays well, we play well.”

Palmer’s lack of influence was particularly costly against a Flamengo side that took control of the match in the second half. Chelsea, who had gone ahead through Pedro Neto, collapsed after conceding twice in three minutes and then losing Nicolas Jackson to a red card just four minutes after coming on.

Chelsea now face a must-win game against ES Tunis next week if they are to advance to the knockout stages of the revamped Club World Cup. Jackson will miss that game through suspension.

While Mikel remains hopeful Palmer can rediscover his spark, he believes Chelsea must act fast to reignite their star man.

“Cole is a fantastic player and will hopefully continue to develop, but he needs to find another gear — and fast,” he warned.