“He Keeps disappearing🚨 – John Obi Mikel Raises Concern Over One Chelsea Star After Poor Display Against Benfica

⚽ Chelsea’s Pre-Season Concerns Grow Following Flamengo Defeat and Player’s Struggles

Chelsea Football Club’s pre-season preparations have taken a worrying turn, and not just because of their recent 3-1 defeat to Brazilian giants Flamengo. The result itself was disappointing, but what has alarmed fans and analysts even more is the sudden and noticeable decline in form of one of the club’s top performers from last season. This shift has raised serious questions about Chelsea’s readiness for the upcoming campaign.

After the final whistle, former Chelsea star and club legend John Obi Mikel did not hesitate to voice his concerns. In a candid and emotionally charged reaction, he openly criticized a key player who, during the previous season, played a critical role in Chelsea’s resurgence. That same player now appears to be struggling, showing signs of decline and failing to make an impact on the pitch.

Mikel said during his post-match comments:

> “He’s just not showing up anymore. Last season, he was outstanding—truly carried the team when things were tough. But I started noticing his drop-off towards the tail end of the campaign. And now? He’s practically invisible during games. It’s becoming a serious issue.”

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👤 Who Is Mikel Referring To? Cole Palmer Confirmed

While Mikel stopped short of naming the player in question during his interview, several credible sources close to him have since revealed that he was talking about none other than Cole Palmer—the young attacking midfielder who had a breakout year during the 2024/25 season.

Palmer was widely praised for his dazzling displays last season, becoming a fan favorite and earning the admiration of teammates, coaches, and pundits alike. He consistently delivered goals and assists, often being the creative spark in Chelsea’s lineup and playing a pivotal role in their strong finish in the league.

However, things appear to have changed. In recent matches, especially the loss to Flamengo, Palmer looked out of sorts. He was largely ineffective, struggled to find space, and failed to create any meaningful chances. The player who once controlled games with confidence and finesse seemed overwhelmed and uncertain, particularly against Flamengo’s aggressive and tightly organized midfield.

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🎙️ Mikel’s Further Observations: A Tactical and Mental Challenge

Mikel elaborated further on what he believes is going wrong:

> “Opposing teams have figured him out. He’s no longer being given the time and space to operate like he used to. But it’s not just about being tired—there’s hesitation in his movement and decision-making. This isn’t the same Palmer who used to take control of games.”

His comments highlight a deeper issue that may be affecting Palmer both mentally and tactically.

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❓ Why Is Palmer Struggling? Possible Causes for the Decline

There are a number of potential reasons why Cole Palmer is currently performing below expectations:

🔧 Tactical Limitations Under Enzo Maresca: Chelsea’s new head coach, Enzo Maresca, has introduced a more structured tactical system, emphasizing positional discipline and organization. This may be restricting Palmer’s natural ability to drift freely, improvise, and influence the game in creative ways.

🎯 Increased Pressure from Opponents: After an impressive season, Palmer is now seen as a major threat. As a result, opposing teams are placing him under tighter marking and pressuring him more aggressively, limiting his effectiveness.

💡 Possible Burnout: Having shouldered much of Chelsea’s creative burden last season, Palmer might be suffering from both physical exhaustion and mental fatigue. These factors can greatly affect a player’s sharpness, confidence, and overall decision-making.

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🔁 A Call to Action: Mikel Urges Maresca to Help Palmer Rediscover His Best Form

Despite his strong words of concern, John Obi Mikel still believes in Cole Palmer’s talent and potential. He emphasized that the young midfielder remains one of Chelsea’s most important players and that reviving his form is absolutely crucial if the club is to achieve its goals this season.

Mikel stressed:

> “If the manager can bring Palmer back to his best, Chelsea will be a completely different team. Much more dangerous. That’s how big of an impact he can have.”

In essence, Mikel is challenging Maresca to recognize the situation and make the necessary adjustments to help Palmer regain his confidence and spark.

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💬 Fans React: A Divided Community

As expected, Mikel’s comments have sparked a passionate debate among Chelsea supporters. While many fans agree that Palmer hasn’t looked like his usual self, others argue that the player is being asked to do too much under a system that doesn’t support his strengths.

One supporter posted on social media:

> “Palmer isn’t the problem—he’s just being asked to do too many things. He’s expected to defend, create, and score all at once. That’s unrealistic. He needs proper support around him.”

Another fan wrote:

> “Mikel has been in the dressing room, he knows what it takes to succeed at Chelsea. If he’s raising concerns, maybe we should pay closer attention. We can’t afford to mismanage a talent like this.”

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🔍 What’s Next for Palmer and Chelsea?

With the Premier League season just around the corner, the pressure is on Maresca to fine-tune his squad. One of his top priorities must be finding a way to get Cole Palmer back to performing at his highest level. Reports indicate that the coach is considering some tactical changes, possibly shifting Palmer into a more central attacking role. This would allow him greater influence in the game and reduce the amount of defensive work he’s currently being asked to do.

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📌 Final Words: A Crucial Test for the New Era

John Obi Mikel’s honest appraisal has served as a wake-up call for Chelsea. Having raw talent is one thing—but for players to flourish, they need the right system, encouragement, and role clarity. Cole Palmer is still one of England’s most exciting young prospects, but he needs to be handled with care to reach his full potential.

For manager Enzo Maresca, this presents an early test of his leadership and adaptability. The decisions he makes now could shape Chelsea’s momentum for the entire season. As Mikel put it: “This isn’t good.” And unless something changes soon, Chelsea may struggle to reach the levels they’re aiming for.