Graeme Souness hits out at Cole Palmer situation amid downed-tools claim at Chelsea

Graeme Souness has hit out at the growing storm Cole Palmer as the Chelsea star's form on the pitch continues to falter.

The 22-year-old has been a rising star at Stamford Bridge, notching 39 goals and 21 assists in 75 appearances since making the £45million move from Man City two summers ago.

Despite 14 goals and six assists coming in the Premier League this season, the record-breaking playmaker has come under heavy fire recently, with no goal contributions in his last seven games.

Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella helped under-pressure Enzo Maresca to a 4-0 victory last time out, with Ivan Juric also facing an early sacking at Southampton this season.

Even with all the goal-action, Palmer was unable to score or assist, taking a total of seven shots at goal without getting back to his usual form as Chelsea remain fifth in the Premier League table, but Souness believes that is evidence enough that the England international is putting as much effort in as always.

Graeme Souness continues to back Cole Palmer despite poor Chelsea form

Writing in the Mail [28 February], he said: "I've got one message for the critics of Cole Palmer: back off! Cole Palmer's critics need to back off, despite the Chelsea star failing to score in seven games.

"Palmer is still totally focused despite the dip and he is a victim of setting the bar so high. Just because he has gone seven games without scoring people are now questioning his body language.

"He still looks dangerous to me. I don't see any downing of tools in effort - as seven shots against Southampton should testify."

Only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland and Chris Wood can boast more goal contributions in the Premier League this season, with the Chelsea man actually coming out on top last term.

Enzo Maresca needs Chelsea playmaker back in form as soon as possible

Football Insider verdict

The Blues falling out of contention for Champions League qualification really could be the final nail in Maresca's coffin at Chelsea, with fans becoming frustrated with recent performances.

It is no surprise that the team's lack of results over the last few weeks, losing three consecutive games to Brighton, Brighton again, and then Aston Villa, has coincided with their star player's drop in form.

With Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke both sidelined, Enzo Fernandez is the next closest player to Palmer's current output in the league, highlighting exactly why they're struggling.

This could come as a huge blow to the Blues, not only because they could miss out on playing Champions League football next season, but also because Palmer has been tipped to leave Chelsea without it.

Maresca needs his biggest star back in form as soon as humanly possible.