Cole Palmer is loving life at Chelsea, something that hasn’t been said often about players from those parts in recent times.
The 21-year-old is proving to be, not just one of the best youngsters in the Premier League, but in Europe after Chelsea recorded a nervy 3-2 win over Luton Town on Saturday.
Cole Palmer helped himself to a brace and an assist, with Stuart Pearce claiming that he is now Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino’s ‘best player’, as he told Premier League Productions (30/12/23 at 8:20 pm).
The former England defender also feels that the ice-cool midfielder has ‘repaid’ Chelsea for the £43 million they gave Manchester City to sign him in the summer.
Given that the England U21 star had just won the Treble and was seen as one of Manchester City’s brighter prospects, it was a surprise when they let him go.
Yes, Cole Palmer wasn’t probably getting the regular starts he craved, but he was earning enough minutes and pushing towards becoming a regular for Pep Guardiola.
But what is Manchester City’s loss is now Chelsea’s gain, with Stuart Pearce seemingly surprised his former side let the player go.
“I think pre the two goals today, he has been head and shoulders their best player,” said Pearce.
“When he signed from Manchester City. A couple of things sprung to mind.
“A) Why have Manchester City let one of their aspiring youngsters go and the price tag? But I tell you what, he has repaid the price tag straightaway with his six months so far. And this is a great finish (opening goal against Luton).”
Cole Palmer shines for Chelsea again
Not many Chelsea players can hold their heads up high. Whether it be for performances under Graham Potter or now under Pochettino.
But, one man who has been consistent, is Palmer.
From his 17 Premier League matches, he has eight goals to his name and four assists. Those are serious numbers, especially for a team sitting tenth in the Premier League table.
If Chelsea wants to return to the top of the table, or at least, back to the Champions League, then they need more players like Palmer to step up.
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