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

🚨 “He Keeps Vanishing” – John Obi Mikel Sounds Alarm Over Chelsea Star’s Form After Flamengo Loss

Chelsea’s pre-season campaign has taken an unsettling turn—not just due to their 3-1 defeat to Brazilian side Flamengo, but also because of a concerning dip in performance from one of last season’s standout players. After the match, club legend John Obi Mikel didn’t hold back in voicing his concerns about a key player who once carried Chelsea through crucial moments but now seems a shadow of his former self.

In remarks that have stirred up debate among fans and analysts alike, Mikel remarked:

“He keeps disappearing. Last season, he was fantastic—carried the team through tough times. But towards the end of the season, I noticed he was fading. Now? He’s struggling to impact the game at all. It’s a concern.”

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⚠️ The Player in Question: Cole Palmer

Although Mikel didn’t name names during his post-match comments, it was later confirmed by sources close to him that he was referring to Cole Palmer—Chelsea’s breakout star of the 2024/25 season. Palmer was instrumental last year, racking up goals and assists in double digits and playing a crucial role in Chelsea’s strong league finish.

However, his influence has waned in recent matches, particularly in the defeat to Flamengo, where he was largely ineffective and unable to create any significant chances. Once known for his creativity and ability to control the game, Palmer found himself overwhelmed by Flamengo’s tight and physical midfield approach.

Mikel added:

“Teams have figured him out. He no longer gets the freedom he once enjoyed. It’s more than just being tired—he looks uncertain, hesitant. That’s not the same Palmer who used to dominate games.”

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📉 What’s Behind the Decline?

Several possible factors might be contributing to Palmer’s drop in form:

• Tactical Constraints Under Enzo Maresca: The new manager’s structured system requires strict positional discipline, which may limit Palmer’s natural flair and freedom on the ball.
• Increased Scrutiny from Opponents: After his standout season, opposition teams have started targeting Palmer specifically—pressing him tightly and cutting off his influence.
• Mental and Physical Burnout: After shouldering much of the creative load last season, Palmer may be experiencing both mental fatigue and physical exhaustion, which has impacted his sharpness and decision-making.

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🔄 Mikel’s Message: Maresca Must Reignite Palmer

Despite the criticism, Mikel still believes in Palmer’s potential and emphasized that reviving the midfielder’s form is essential for Chelsea’s ambitions this season.

“If Maresca can get him back to top form, Chelsea will be a different team—much harder to stop. That’s how important he is.”

The former midfielder’s call is clear: Chelsea’s success this season depends heavily on unlocking the best version of Cole Palmer once again.

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🗣️ Fan Reactions: Split Opinions

Palmer’s dip in form has sparked divided opinions among Chelsea fans. Some agree with Mikel’s assessment, pointing out that Palmer has been a shadow of his previous self. Others, however, believe the young star is being misused under the new system.

One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“Palmer’s not the issue—he’s being stretched too thin. You can’t ask him to defend, press, create, and score all on his own. He needs proper support.”

Another added:

“Mikel’s been there—he knows what it takes. If he’s concerned, maybe it’s time we all paid closer attention. We can’t afford to mismanage a talent like Palmer.”

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🔎 What Comes Next?

With the Premier League season fast approaching, time is running out for Maresca to fix the issues within his squad—and reinvigorating Palmer is one of the top priorities. Reports suggest that the manager may consider a tactical tweak, possibly repositioning Palmer into a more central role where he can have greater influence and less defensive responsibility.

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📌 Final Thoughts

John Obi Mikel’s blunt observations serve as a timely reminder for Chelsea: talent alone isn’t enough. Players need confidence, structure, and the right tactical environment to thrive. Palmer remains one of the brightest prospects in English football, but his form must be managed carefully if Chelsea hope to compete seriously this season.

Maresca faces a crucial test early in his tenure—one that could define Chelsea’s momentum heading into the new campaign. As Mikel put it plainly: “This isn’t good,” and changes are urgently needed to get Palmer firing again.