'Something is missing' - Cole Palmer told how to get through 'rough patch' as ex-Chelsea star cites Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo example

The 22-year-old forward made a huge impact during his first season at Stamford Bridge, racking up an impressive 22 goals and 11 assists - a record-breaking feat for a newcomer at the club. This season, however, has seen a noticeable dip as he has managed only 14 goals so far and is currently enduring a barren run in front of goal, having failed to score in his last 16 matches.

Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba, remembered fondly for his unforgettable goal against Liverpool in 2014, has stepped forward with some sage advice for Palmer. Speaking to The Sun, Ba drew on his own experience as well as the legendary rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to make a powerful point about the benefits of competition and mentorship.

"Competition is good for everyone," he said. "It worked for me, and I think [Lionel] Messi wouldn’t have been the player he is today without the competition from Cristiano [Ronaldo], and vice versa. So, I will never shy away from saying competition is healthy."

Ba also highlighted the importance of having a seasoned figure to help young players navigate difficult stretches.

"Someone like Cole Palmer doesn’t have much experience in football, or even in life. Football is life, and there will be tough days," he said. "But if you have an experienced figure to lean on, you can get through the storm. Palmer is in a rough patch, and although he is managing with his personality and continuing to perform, something is missing. He could benefit immensely from having someone who has been in that situation before to guide him."

Chelsea’s broader dip in performance since the beginning of the calendar year has mirrored Palmer’s own issues. The west London outfit have struggled to generate consistency, and much of that has been attributed to the drop in form of their attacking players -including Palmer and fellow forward Christopher Nkunku, who has battled both injuries and inconsistency.

Fortunately for Chelsea, the tide may be starting to turn. The Blues returned to winning ways over the weekend with a positive result against Fulham and will be back in action against Everton at Stamford Bridge this Saturday.