It speaks to Palmer’s brilliance that his run of five league games without a goal contribution is noteworthy – and a rare missed opportunity in the second half against Aston Villa on Saturday heightened the discussion.

But Maresca has brushed aside any concerns over the England international's form and praised Palmer's willingness to take responsibility whenever he is on the pitch.

‘I’m not concerned about Cole,’ said the head coach. ‘Cole is a human being and during the season he can have some moments where he struggles a little bit more.

'For sure, in terms of numbers, goals and assists, it’s a moment where he struggles. But in the end, he had a chance [against Aston Villa]. He was there, then he missed – okay, but he was there. The problem is when you are not there.

‘It’s not just about Cole. We had more chances with different players, but because it’s Cole and everyone relies on him, expects him to score goals, when he misses everyone is watching that. For me, it’s okay; he just needs to continue working in the way he’s working. We need top players like Cole, and we are not worried about Cole at all.’

Maresca says Palmer is putting in extra work on the training ground, particularly in the gym. And that bore fruit recently when the squad underwent a series of physical examinations, as Maresca revealed.

‘I will tell you a detail that is very important. Every six months or seven months we do a physical test. We did one in pre-season, and we did one last week. He was the strongest one in the squad. He was the one that ‘won’ the test.

‘It was a physical test. It shows his desire, not only on the ball, he is working hard, and he is doing fantastic. In this moment, because everyone relies on Cole, people see in Cole the solution, but the solution always has to be the team.’