Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has hinted at a potential positional change for Cole Palmer, with the England international possibly being used as a right winger in upcoming matches. 

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Maresca acknowledged the success Palmer had in this role under Mauricio Pochettino and suggested he could replicate the approach.

Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City, has primarily operated centrally this season under Maresca, where his playmaking abilities have flourished. However, the idea of moving him back to the right flank could offer a new dimension to Chelsea’s attack.

“Could be [used as a right winger],” Maresca said when asked about the possibility.

“You mentioned with Cole playing wide, the full-back overlaps and Cole comes inside the pitch, and in the end it is the same position. It’s just a starting position and the ball moves, and Cole changes position.”

This tactical adjustment harks back to Palmer’s impressive displays on the right under Pochettino, where he emerged as a serious Premier League talent. Playing in that role allowed the right-back, typically Malo Gusto, to overlap and deliver crosses—an area where Chelsea have struggled to capitalise this season.

Maresca further highlighted a specific example of Palmer’s versatility in the right-wing role, recalling his performance against Manchester City.

“He played against City on the right, and with Malo Gusto overlapping, he finished in the same position,” the Chelsea boss explained.

As Maresca continues to search for ways to maximize the potential of his squad, this tactical tweak could be a way to unlock even more from Palmer, who has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season.