Former Chelsea star Marcel Desailly has raised concerns about Cole Palmer’s mental approach to top-level football, questioning whether the 24-year-old possesses the necessary ‘killer instinct’ to thrive at the highest level.
Palmer has emerged as a standout in the Premier League since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in 2023, delivering an impressive first season in west London. His performances saw him score 22 league goals in just 33 games, quickly establishing himself as one of the country’s most promising talents. However, his form has dipped in recent seasons, with 15 goals in the 2024/25 campaign and 10 in the previous one. This decline has coincided with a groin injury that limited him to 26 Premier League appearances last season, ultimately leading to his omission from the England squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Desailly, who made 222 appearances for Chelsea during his career, believes Palmer is not fully embracing his potential and has been too willing to accept roles that do not suit his strengths. The Frenchman argues that Palmer lacks the mental toughness required to be a true top-tier player.
‘What a talent – there’s nothing to say against the talent of Palmer. The only doubt I have around Palmer is how he has been used. He’s playing on the right side,’ Desailly told MrRaffle.com.
‘I saw him more, like [Enzo] Fernández, playing in that position behind a striker and having the responsibility for the offensive animation. They did not give him that role. But I could also see that he never came out and said, “I can do it, I am ready for it.”
‘I feel that mentally, the talent is there – no doubt – but mentally he’s not a killer. Each top player has to be a killer inside himself. He wants to win trophies, he wants to be the best, and he’s ready to work hard to become the best.
‘I feel that Palmer is satisfied if he has to stay, okay; if he has to go, okay. He doesn’t seem to have a problem with anything.’
Desailly insists that Palmer must take control of his own destiny by clearly communicating to his new manager, Xabi Alonso, that he wants to play as a number 10. The former World Cup winner believes that Palmer’s talent should warrant this opportunity.
‘Because of the level he has reached today, he has to step up,’ said Desailly. ‘Even though he’s young, he has to protect his status and take responsibility for success and also for the problems the team is facing.
‘He needs to ask the coach to stop putting him right, left, up, down, striker, or on the right. He needs to say, “No, I want to play as a number 10. I am capable of it, adapt the system to me.”
‘So he’s not yet a killer. Talented, but no killer.’
Palmer will be hoping that Alonso, who is set to take charge at Stamford Bridge in July, has full confidence in him. The young forward has expressed excitement about the Spaniard’s arrival, stating: ‘Everyone’s excited. He’s a top manager, so we can’t wait to get started.’
The potential departure of Enzo Fernandez could create an opening for Palmer to play in a central attacking role. Real Madrid and Manchester City have shown interest in the Argentine midfielder, who is open to a move. However, a significant hurdle remains the £120m asking price set by Chelsea, according to ESPN.
As the World Cup approaches, attention will continue to focus on England’s prospects. Fans are eagerly anticipating updates on the teams, key players to watch, and predictions for the tournament. With the right mindset and opportunities, Palmer may yet prove that he is more than just a talented player — he could become the ‘killer’ that Desailly believes he needs to be.
