Chelsea's Experiment: Cole Palmer as Left-Winger in Club World Cup

Enzo Maresca of Chelsea made a tactical change during a storm in Charlotte, North Carolina. He moved Cole Palmer from the No 10 position to the left wing, a subtle but effective adjustment.

Palmer, a 23-year-old player, has been a key attacker for Chelsea since joining from Manchester City. He has been the team's top scorer and assist provider in the past two Premier League seasons.

Maresca experimented with different tactics during the Club World Cup matches. He played Palmer in various positions based on the opponents' quality and strategies. In the round-of-16 game against Benfica, Palmer was positioned on the left for the first time.

The tactical shift allowed Liam Delap, a new addition to the team, to lead the attack. Delap, known for his goal-scoring abilities, has a playing style reminiscent of Didier Drogba.

Palmer's role on the left wing aimed to create better opportunities for Delap and strengthen their partnership. Against Benfica, Palmer's positioning in the half-space posed challenges for the opposition defense.

Despite some missed opportunities, Palmer's performance improved in extra time, contributing to Chelsea's goals. Maresca's tactical adjustments are aimed at enhancing Chelsea's attacking options and creating a more balanced approach.

Maresca's strategy also considers the long-term development of players like Fernandez, who is seen as a key player in the No 10 position. The team aims to diversify its attacking options and increase goal-scoring opportunities from different areas of the pitch.

Maresca emphasized the dynamic nature of the game and Palmer's versatility in changing positions. The tactical changes are part of Chelsea's evolving approach to maximize their attacking potential.