‘He’s always a threat’ – Ex-Chelsea forward slams Cole Palmer critics and backs Blues talisman to ‘blossom again’ alongside new signing Liam Delap

A former Chelsea star has hit out at Cole Palmer’s critics and believes the England ace will “blossom again” alongside new signing Liam Delap.

In the sometimes unforgiving world of English football, opinions fly faster than a Palmer through-ball. But every now and then, a seasoned voice rises above the noise. That’s exactly what happened this week when former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips stepped forward to defend Cole Palmer, a player whose recent form has been called into question—perhaps a bit too hastily.

Wright-Phillips Comes to Palmer’s Defence: “He Never Trailed Off”

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With the second half of the 2024/25 season behind us, many pundits and fans have pointed out that Cole Palmer’s goals dried up after January. Just one Premier League goal since then had some critics wondering whether the young England international had hit a wall. But for Wright-Phillips, that narrative is not only unfair—it’s flat-out wrong.

Speaking to Prime Casino, the former England winger didn’t mince words:

“I think it’s mad to say that Cole Palmer trailed off last season. I just don’t see it.”

And he might have a point. While Palmer’s name wasn’t on the scoresheet as frequently post-January, his influence in the final third remained undeniable. Creativity, chance-making, and intelligent movement were all still there—just without the finishing touch, often due to factors outside his control.

“People say it because he wasn’t scoring, but he was still creating the same amount of chances as when he was finding the back of the net himself,” Wright-Phillips continued. “It’s natural that players’ form will ebb and flow.”

The Nature of Form: Why Goal Tallies Don’t Tell the Full Story

There’s a truth in football that’s easy to forget: form isn’t linear. A player can dominate one month, then find themselves struggling the next—not because they’ve suddenly lost ability, but because finishing, tactics, even luck, can all fluctuate.

Palmer’s critics focus on goals, but as Wright-Phillips rightly notes, the young playmaker never stopped producing. His vision, ability to split defences with a single pass, and courage to take risks remained constants. Sometimes, the striker simply doesn’t finish. Sometimes, the goalkeeper pulls off a world-class save. That’s the game.

“Even then he’s reliant on his strikers putting the ball in the back of the net,” added Wright-Phillips. “He can do all the work in terms of assists, but he’s not finishing the chances himself every time.”

Cole Palmer and the Liam Delap Factor

What excites Wright-Phillips—and should excite Chelsea fans too—is the arrival of a new face up top: Liam Delap. The young forward, signed this summer from Manchester City, brings a different profile to Chelsea’s attack—one that might just unlock another level in Palmer’s already dangerous game.

“Cole Palmer’s reputation is going to blossom again when he’s linking up with Liam Delap,” Wright-Phillips said. “Liam’s going to be putting away more chances than Nicolas Jackson.”

That’s no slight on Jackson, who had flashes of brilliance last season but lacked the consistency expected of a lead striker at a club like Chelsea. Delap, meanwhile, is seen as more of a complete forward: physically dominant, tactically smart, and confident with his back to goal.

“He’s like a wall up front,” Wright-Phillips explained, “able to bring others into play. Not only does he take chances, but he creates them for himself. He can do everything Jackson can do—with runs in behind—and he offers even more.”

A Blossoming Partnership in the Making?

If there’s one thing every creative midfielder dreams of, it’s a striker who gets it—someone who anticipates the pass, makes the right run, and most importantly, finishes the move. That’s what Palmer may find in Delap.

Wright-Phillips painted a compelling picture of the duo’s potential:

“Cole’s going to love that. He knows that when he sends the ball into the box, Liam will be there.”

Chemistry in football isn’t just about quality—it’s about understanding. And if Delap and Palmer can strike up that intuitive bond early, Chelsea’s attacking threat could become a real problem for Premier League defences next season.

Rewinding the Tape: Palmer’s Contribution Beyond the Numbers

While the second half of the campaign saw fewer goals, it’s worth remembering how important Palmer was in Chelsea’s European run. In the Conference League final against Real Betis, he didn’t find the net—but he did record two crucial assists in a 3–1 victory that delivered silverware to Stamford Bridge.

Palmer’s intelligence and calm under pressure shone through that night, reminding everyone that there’s more to football than just goals.

The Bigger Picture for Chelsea

With Delap on board and a full pre-season under their belts, Chelsea may finally be looking at a more balanced and dynamic forward setup. Palmer can roam, create, and exploit space. Delap can occupy centre-backs, hold up play, and finish chances. Together, they might offer something the Blues were sorely lacking in recent years: a reliable, complementary duo in the final third.

But it’s not just about them. The question now is whether manager Enzo Maresca—tasked with shaping a young, talented but inconsistent squad—can fit the pieces together. His philosophy of quick transitions, pressing, and fluidity in attack could suit both Palmer and Delap beautifully.

What’s Next?

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Chelsea round off their Club World Cup group stage campaign against ES Tunis this Wednesday. It’s a must-win if they want to progress, and all eyes will be on Palmer and Delap. Could this be the first glimpse of a new attacking partnership? Wright-Phillips certainly hopes so, and if he’s right, we might just be watching the beginning of something special.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Doubt Cole Palmer Just Yet

Football fans are quick to jump to conclusions. One dry spell, and suddenly a player is “off form.” But those who watch closely—those who understand what happens between the lines—know that Cole Palmer never stopped being a threat.

With Liam Delap now by his side, and a manager who seems keen to trust in youth and flair, the stage is set for Palmer to “blossom again,” just as Shaun Wright-Phillips predicted.

He’s still that same fearless, creative talent who lit up the first half of last season. He’s just waiting for the right partner—and the right moment—to remind everyone why Chelsea fought so hard to get him.

And if Wright-Phillips is right, that moment is just around the corner.