Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has no doubts about Cole Palmer’s commitment and work ethic, even though the young playmaker is experiencing a difficult spell on the pitch.

Palmer has gone five Premier League matches without a goal or assist, and Chelsea have struggled in that period, losing three of those games. However, Maresca insists that Palmer remains fully dedicated, revealing that the England international recently topped a key fitness test at the club.

“Absolutely. I will tell you one detail that is very important,” Maresca said when asked if Palmer works harder in training when out of form.

“Every six or seven months, we do a physical test. We did one in pre-season, and we did one last week. He was the strongest one of all the squad.

“He was the one that ‘won’ the test. It was a physical test. It shows his desire. Not only on the ball. He is working hard and he is doing fantastic.”

Palmer has been Chelsea’s standout player this season, leading the team in goals and assists, but his recent dip in form has exposed the club’s over-reliance on him. Maresca acknowledges this issue, urging the entire squad to step up.

He said: “In this moment, because everyone relies on Cole, people see in Cole the solution, but the solution always has to be the team.”

For Chelsea to mount a serious challenge for the Champions League places, they will need Palmer firing again—while also ensuring that he gets more support from his teammates.