Chelsea: Enzo Maresca issues Cole Palmer challenge as Blues boss makes Liverpool promise

Enzo Maresca says Cole Palmer has still got more levels to go up in his game, and vowed Chelsea will try to impose themselves on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Palmer is one of the most in-form players in Europe and was this week backed by Chelsea co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley to become a Ballon d’Or winner.

The 22-year-old has scored six goals this season, including four in the first half against Brighton, and his blistering form is fuelling belief that Chelsea can get a result on Merseyside this weekend.

Palmer was recently named England Player of the Year for 2024, while he also won PFA Premier League Fans’ Player of the Month for September. But Maresca insists the £42million signing from Manchester City can still improve.

Maresca said: “He is winning so many personal awards. Hopefully we can achieve something as a team altogether. For sure, all the players can do better, they can improve. And Cole is one of them, even if he is at a high, high level.”

Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League after a strong start to the season and beating Liverpool would send out a real statement about their progress under Maresca.

Liverpool are top of the table and looking good under Arne Slot but Maresca insists Chelsea will not change their approach against the leaders, and will go there to win.

Speaking to Malaysian broadcasters Stadium Astro, Maresca said: “[Anfield] is a nice environment. We are going to try to go there, play our football and try to get points.

“We plan the game, but also the other teams plan the game so sometimes you struggle. But at the end it is important that the intention of the team has to be the same.”