Tony Cascarino reveals what Cole Palmer must do to emulate Chelsea legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard

Cole Palmer announced himself as Chelsea’s next superstar during a sensational debut campaign, but former Blues striker Tony Cascarino believes there is still one crucial ingredient missing if the England international is to reach the legendary status of Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard.

After an outstanding first season at Stamford Bridge, Palmer endured a more difficult 2025-26 campaign, with injuries and inconsistent form slowing his remarkable rise.

Injury setbacks interrupted Palmer’s momentum

Palmer struggled to maintain the incredible standards he set after arriving from Manchester City in 2023.

Groin and toe injuries limited the attacking midfielder to just 11 goals and three assists last season, forcing him to miss 26 matches across all competitions.

Those numbers represented a significant drop from the 25-goal campaign that earned him the PFA Young Player of the Year award during his debut season at Chelsea.

Despite helping the Blues lift the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, Palmer’s dip in form eventually cost him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Cascarino identifies what’s missing

Speaking to GOAL in partnership with Tonybet, Cascarino believes Palmer’s biggest problem isn’t talent—but the lack of experienced leaders around him during difficult moments.

“There’s been a drop-off from Cole Palmer. That’s why he’s not been in the England squad. He’s just not played to the level that he did when he first joined Chelsea.

The former Chelsea striker believes the club failed to surround their young star with enough experienced professionals capable of guiding him through challenging periods.

Chelsea need experienced leaders

Cascarino compared Palmer’s situation with Steven Gerrard’s early Liverpool career, pointing to the signing of veteran midfielder Gary McAllister as the perfect example of how experienced players can accelerate a young star’s development.

“One of the shrewdest signings Liverpool ever made was Gary McAllister at 35. He played alongside Steven Gerrard and helped him enormously.

He feels Chelsea’s youthful squad has left Palmer carrying too much responsibility at an early stage of his career.

Midfield quality isn’t the issue

While acknowledging the quality of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, Cascarino believes both players are still establishing themselves after their own high-profile transfers.

“Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are great players, but they also had to prove themselves after arriving for big fees.

According to Cascarino, Chelsea lacked the experienced figures capable of helping Palmer rediscover his best form when his performances dipped.

Alonso handed key Palmer challenge

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso now faces the task of reigniting Palmer’s career as the Blues begin another new era.

With a long-term contract running until 2033, Chelsea remain fully committed to Palmer despite speculation linking him with a sensational return to Manchester.

If Alonso can restore Palmer’s confidence and surround him with the right support, the gifted playmaker may yet fulfil the enormous potential that once drew comparisons with two of Chelsea’s greatest-ever players.