🚨”He Keeps disappearing🚨 – John Obi Mikel Raises Concern Over One Chelsea Star After Poor Display Against Flamengo He was wonderful last season but towards the end of the season I started noticing he goes missing in games…. He is now struggling to influence games – and this is not good and opponents are starting to figure him out. “He carried this team last season, If Maresca can get in back in form, no one can stop Chelsea,” Mikel warns… This player was completely off the radar in Chelsea’s 3-1 loss to Flamengo – and …………….
🚨 “He Keeps Disappearing” – John Obi Mikel Raises Red Flags About Chelsea Star After Disappointing Display Against Flamengo
Chelsea’s pre-season tour has taken a worrying turn, not just because of the 3-1 loss to Brazilian side Flamengo, but also due to a striking decline in performance from one of the club’s most celebrated players of last season. Speaking candidly after the game, Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel expressed concern over a key Blues star who, despite previously being hailed as the team’s engine and creative spark, is now struggling to maintain consistency and assert influence on the pitch.
In a conversation that has quickly gained traction among fans and pundits alike, Mikel didn’t mince words:
> “He keeps disappearing. He was brilliant last season—carried the team at times—but lately, especially towards the tail-end of last season, I noticed he’s been going missing in games. And now? He’s struggling to influence anything at all. It’s worrying.”
⚠️ The Player in Question: From Hero to Shadow
Though Mikel did not initially name the player outright, it was later confirmed by sources close to the ex-midfielder that he was referring to Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s breakout star from the 2024/25 campaign. Palmer’s meteoric rise saw him notch double digits in both goals and assists, delivering clutch performances that helped Chelsea secure key results and finish strongly in the league.
However, in recent matches—including the disappointing 3-1 defeat to Flamengo—Palmer was virtually invisible for long stretches of the game. Once a constant threat and midfield orchestrator, he appeared off the radar, failing to create meaningful chances, and was easily neutralized by Flamengo’s compact, aggressive midfield press.
Mikel continued:
> “Opponents are figuring him out now. He’s no longer getting the space or time he enjoyed last season. It’s not just fatigue—there’s a confidence issue too. He looks unsure, hesitant… not the Palmer who bossed games just a few months ago.”
—
📉 What Went Wrong?
Palmer’s recent form suggests a few possible issues:
Tactical Shift Under Enzo Maresca: With a new manager comes a new system. Maresca’s rigid positional play demands high discipline, and Palmer—who thrives on freedom—may be struggling to adapt.
Overexposure and Opposition Analysis: After lighting up the Premier League last season, clubs have clearly done their homework. Palmer is now being tightly marked, often double-teamed, and forced into wide, ineffective zones.
Mental and Physical Fatigue: Having carried so much creative burden last term, it’s possible Palmer is experiencing burnout, both mentally and physically. His decision-making has been noticeably slower, and his body language far less confident.
—
🔄 Mikel’s Message to Maresca: “Find the Switch”
Despite the downturn in form, Mikel hasn’t given up hope—far from it. He believes Palmer remains the key to Chelsea’s resurgence this season, and has issued a direct challenge to new manager Enzo Maresca.
> “If Maresca can get him back to his best—unlock that version of Palmer from last season—then Chelsea will be a different beast. No one will stop them. That’s how much this guy matters.”
The message is clear: Palmer is the pulse of this Chelsea team, and reviving his form is not just desirable—it’s essential.
—
🗣️ Fan Reaction: Division and Debate
Chelsea fans have been quick to weigh in. While some agree with Mikel’s assessment and acknowledge that Palmer’s performances have dipped significantly, others have defended the youngster, citing poor overall team displays and tactical uncertainty as root causes.
A trending post on X (formerly Twitter) reads:
> “Palmer didn’t just fall off. He’s being misused. We’re asking him to press high, track back, link play AND create magic. No player can do it all alone. Maresca needs to figure this out.”
Another replied:
> “I trust Mikel. If he says Palmer’s fading, then it’s time to be worried. We’ve seen this before—talent wasted by poor management. Let’s not do that again.”
—
🔎 What’s Next for Palmer and Chelsea?
With the Premier League season set to kick off in just a few weeks, Chelsea and Maresca must act fast. Their pre-season fixtures are a time for experimentation, but also for refining and reigniting players like Palmer—especially if the club hopes to challenge for a top-four finish or mount a title charge.
There are reports that Maresca is considering adjusting his midfield shape to allow Palmer more room and freedom in central zones—a move that could potentially reawaken the star’s dormant brilliance.
—
📌 Final Thoughts
John Obi Mikel’s comments serve as a wake-up call—not just for Palmer, but for Chelsea as a whole. Great teams aren’t built solely on talent, but on form, confidence, and momentum. Palmer has the potential to be one of the best in Europe—but he needs support, time, and the right environment to thrive again.
Whether Maresca can spark that resurgence remains to be seen, but if Chelsea want to avoid more nights like the Flamengo defeat, they must act fast—because as Mikel said, “This is not good.”
