A Chelsea legend explains what he believes is the reason Cole Palmer's performance has dropped so much this season compared to last.
The Blues are going through a bad run, including a 3-0 home thrashing to Manchester City on Saturday, which endangers their Champions League qualification. On the "Obi One" podcast, Chelsea icon Mikel admitted that Jackson's effort and tactical intelligence were underestimated at Stamford Bridge.
"Right now, we miss him. What he gave us, no striker provides," he said. "Joao Pedro scores goals, but Nicolas offered high pressure and a special connection with Cole Palmer. Without him, Palmer looks lost. It is painful to watch."
Mikel believes that Jackson's absence affects Palmer, Chelsea's star creator, the most. He says their connection was key last season and that without him, the team has not yet found a replacement. He also considers that the summer signing, Liam Delap, has not reached the necessary level. The difference in quality has been clear for weeks.
"No one gives us that connection. Did he score many goals? Maybe not, but he gave himself to the club. My only problem was the competition: he didn't have the patience to stay and fight for his spot. If he were here now, he would be key, because he is definitely better than Liam Delap, who still needs to improve. That is just the truth."
Jackson is on loan to Bayern for the full season, but his future in the Bundesliga is uncertain. Although his contract includes a purchase option, the Bavarian club might not exercise it. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany has said that any decision will be made together with the player and club officials at the end of the season. Nothing has been decided yet.
Despite the current squad's problems, Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior confirmed that the board is preparing for a busy transfer market. The team has fallen out of the European race, and options are already being analyzed to reshape the squad. Big changes are expected this summer.
The coach seeks to correct the technical and physical shortcomings evidenced in recent defeats. It is not yet known if Jackson will return, but calls for his return are growing as the team struggles to show consistency in the final third. With key matches against Manchester United and Liverpool coming up, Chelsea must quickly find a solution to their goal drought or risk finishing in the bottom half.
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