Paul Merson says Chelsea are playing one of their players in the wrong position

He’s struggled just as much at the international level, where Thomas Tuchel has publicly challenged Palmer to prove himself ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, the England boss has stood firm on his comments that Palmer’s best position is as a number 10, something that Chelsea fans can agree with.

Paul Merson is someone who also agrees with this statement.

Realistically, how much is Cole Palmer worth?🤔

Paul Merson demands Cole Palmer as a number 10

Speaking in his Sportskeeda column ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, Paul Merson called for Cole Palmer to finally be unleashed centrally on a permanent basis.

“I also don’t understand why they were playing Cole Palmer as a right-winger. He’s a no.10, just play him there! I know Palmer has not impressed this season.

“But it also down to how Chelsea have set themselves up. Joao Pedro has been excellent but he is not a proper number nine, he likes to drop deep and that leaves little space for Palmer.”

Are there any changes you would make to the Chelsea XI?

Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho are both ‘unlikely’ to feature 😬

Paul Merson predicts a 2-0 win for Liverpool over Chelsea

Chelsea’s recent displays haven’t filled Merson with much confidence, and it’s hard to blame him for predicting Liverpool to come out on top. Especially as the Blues look like they’ll be without Robert Sanchez, Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto this week.

“I think Chelsea are lacking in confidence at the moment. They’re a young football team and need that 30-year-old player in the line-up who can just calm things down on the pitch.

“Chelsea are completely out of the equation for Champions League qualification in my opinion. I was there at Stamford Bridge when they lost 3-1 to Nottingham Forest on Monday. They got absolutely destroyed and have now lost six straight games in the Premier League! Unbelievable run of poor form.

“I’m backing the hosts to get a crucial win at Anfield.”