Ruud Gullit has urged Cole Palmer to learn from his difficult performance against Paris Saint-Germain and believes his connection with Morgan Rogers can benefit Chelsea.
Former Chelsea manager Gullit believes Palmer must develop his ability to anticipate danger and control the tempo of matches as he prepares for another important season for the Blues.
Gullit was speaking in an exclusive interview with NY Sports Day, where he also discussed Palmer’s relationship with new Chelsea team-mate Rogers.
Palmer’s lesson to learn
The former Netherlands forward identified Chelsea’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last season as an important learning experience for Palmer.
Gullit believes Palmer struggled to influence the game from a central position and would have benefited from starting wider before moving inside.
“That match should be his primary learning reference. He needs to rewatch it and ask himself honestly: ‘What could I have done better to control the tempo?'” he said.
Gullit believes Palmer’s ability is unquestionable but wants the England international to develop greater anticipation when opponents put him under pressure.
Alonso can help Palmer develop
Gullit also drew comparisons between Palmer and Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso, highlighting the Spaniard’s football intelligence rather than physical qualities.
“Alonso played at the highest level for elite clubs. Alonso wasn’t the fastest player either, but he possessed an elite football IQ,” Gullit said.
“He read the game early and anticipated play to avoid getting trapped in high-pressure zones. Palmer needs to cultivate that same anticipatory vision.”
Palmer remains one of the most important players in Alonso’s Chelsea side, having established himself as a key attacking figure since joining from Manchester City.
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Rogers connection could benefit Chelsea
Gullit also believes Palmer’s existing friendship with Rogers could help both players adapt to playing together at Stamford Bridge.
Rogers joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in a British-record £117m deal last month and has a long-standing relationship with Palmer dating back to their time together in the Manchester City academy.
“I think when you have two players that know each other really well off the pitch, then it certainly helps them on the pitch,” Gullit said.
Linking together well
The former Chelsea midfielder believes Alonso will have to assess how his players complement one another as he develops his preferred system.
“Early on, a manager looks at team dynamics like a puzzle, identifying subtle flaws and closing gaps to build solidity,” Gullit added.
“Sometimes a player you hadn’t initially highlighted turns out to be the missing link, or someone thrives when shifted into a slightly different role.”
With Palmer and Rogers already sharing an understanding away from the pitch, Chelsea will hope that relationship can translate into a productive partnership as Alonso begins his first season in charge.
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Juliette White 
Michael Davey