‘Hype After One Good Season:’ Did Chelsea’s Cole Palmer Rise Too Fast?

Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has questioned the hype surrounding Cole Palmer after his breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge in 2023-24. The Frenchman believes expectations have risen too quickly and insists the Blues still have major issues, particularly in defence.

Gallas questions Palmer hype amid Chelsea struggles

Palmer became the centrepiece of Chelsea’s project after arriving from Manchester City, enjoying a superb debut season with 25 goals, which brought individual recognition in the form of a PFA Young Player of the Year award win and high expectations. However, former Blues defender Gallas believes the reaction to Palmer’s rise has gone too far. Speaking about the current state of the squad, Gallas suggested the narrative around the 24-year-old attacker has become exaggerated.

Gallas questions Palmer’s status

Despite significant investment in the squad, the club has struggled to find defensive stability, conceding regularly and failing to establish a reliable back line. Gallas criticised both the team’s attacking and defensive output while suggesting Palmer has not maintained the same impact that sparked first season’s hype.

“When you look at the Chelsea defenders, they’ve let in so many goals. The strikers, they’ve barely scored any goals,” Gallas told

Gallas urges Chelsea to move for John Stones

Gallas has suggested Chelsea should strengthen their defense by targeting Stones, who is set to leave City this summer, instead of Marcos Senesi.

“Marcos Senesi is a good defender, he’s had a good season with Bournemouth, and he’s 29 years old, which means he’s had more experience than some of the current Chelsea defenders,” he added. “But the pressure will be different at a big club, and Senesi hasn’t experienced that pressure.”

“John Stones will be a better option for Chelsea, he knows exactly what the pressure is to play for a big club and knows the feeling of winning trophies. Also, Stones will be leaving Manchester City for free in the summer. Chelsea have to try and sign him, he would organise the back line.”

Defense issues and appointment of a permanent manager

While Palmer has been a key attacking outlet since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s defensive struggles remain a major issue. The club has spent heavily on defenders but has yet to form a consistent partnership capable of anchoring a push for the top four. Several names have been linked with the Blues ahead of the summer transfer window. However, they are also working to appoint a permanent manager following the sacking of Liam Rosenior in April.

2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).

The opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as well as the USA’s opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).