“Chelsea fans don’t come for me" - John Obi Mikel highlights one key flaw in Cole Palmer's game 

Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has raised some concerns over Cole Palmer's performance this season. The Nigerian insists that the England international must perform better in big games.

Palmer has been nothing short of a revelation for the west Londoners since his £42 million move from Manchester City last year. He's been the club's best performer since his arrival and has established himself as one of the best in the Premier League as well.

Last season, the Chelsea star scored 27 goals and provided 15 assists across competitions, and he continues to rack up the numbers and display excellent form this campaign as well.

However, Obi Mikel has highlighted one major flaw, addressing his performances against some of the big teams in the Premier League. Palmer has failed to score or assist in games against Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal this season.

And Obi Mikel feels Palmer has to step up in Chelsea's tougher fixtures. Speaking on his podcast, the former Blues midfielder said (via One Football):

“We talk about Cole Palmer, I’m a huge fan. I think everybody is a huge fan. But again, the big games. You need to show up. That again is my only question with Haaland. So far, Haaland hasn’t done that for City. So far, Cole Palmer hasn’t done it for us.

"He was quiet against City, Liverpool the same, United again. The big games, I’d like to see Cole Palmer, because he’s an absolutely fantastic player, but the big games. You see Lamine Yamal, he shows up in the big games. I’d like to see Cole Palmer do a bit more of that. Chelsea fans don’t come for me, we all love Cole Palmer, but I’d love to see him provide those assists."

The Blues will next face Leicester City in the Premier League after the international break.

"It's a little bit harsh" - Frank Leboeuf hits back at Chelsea star Cole Palmer's critics

While Obi Mikel has been critical of Cole Palmer's performances in big games, Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf has rushed to the Englishman's defense.

The Blues drew 1-1 against Arsenal in their London derby at Stamford Bridge last Sunday (November 10), with Pedro Neto and Gabriel Martinelli getting on the scoresheet.

Palmer put on a rather quiet display by his standards, with just one shot on target the entire game. The England international took three free-kicks against the Gunners, two of which were blocked by the wall.

However, Leboeuf feels criticizing the 22-year-old for his performance is rather harsh. He said:

"Yeah, it's harder against Arsenal, City or Liverpool, and that's absolutely normal. And maybe one day he (Palmer) is going to step up and be better and capable of dealing with two defenders or better defenders than he has normally playing for the teams, but it's a little bit harsh to say that he wasn't good today."