Cole Palmer trains with England’s team.
Image credit: BEIG HUNCHO
Cole Palmer’s rise from promising talent to essential playmaker has taken the Premier League by storm this season.
Since joining Chelsea from Manchester City, he’s quickly cemented his place as one of the league’s most influential players, drawing praise from all corners of the football world.
With six goals in just seven games, his performances have been electric, especially with a standout four-goal showcase against Brighton.
Palmer’s technical skills, vision, and confidence on the pitch are captivating, sparking conversations about his role not just at Chelsea but for the England national team as well.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, has sung Palmer’s praises, even calling him the best player in the league. While these are lofty words, Palmer’s stats back them up.
He leads in combined goals and assists in the Premier League since the start of the 2023-24 season, with contributions that even outshine Manchester City’s goal machine, Erling Haaland. Where Haaland delivers in raw goal-scoring, Palmer brings a balance of goals and assists, underscoring his versatility as a playmaker.
Internationally, Palmer’s journey with the England squad has been a bit more complex. Despite his undeniable talent, he hasn’t always been a first-choice player, with limited minutes during England’s Euro 2024 run.
Nevertheless, Palmer has been crowned England Men’s Player of the Year for his impressive debut with Chelsea and a strong showing at Euro 2024, where his tactical play as a right winger brought him into the spotlight.
Pundits and fans alike are now calling for Palmer to play a more central role, with former England striker Gary Lineker noting that Palmer could be England’s best talent.
England interim boss Lee Carsley faces a tough decision: how to fit Palmer into a squad brimming with talent, including stars like Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka.
Palmer’s recent form might just make him the front-runner for a starting position. Carsley has been experimenting with different formations and roles for Palmer, who has shown his ability to adapt, even potentially filling in unconventional positions like left-back—a testament to his versatility and footballing intelligence.
But it’s the number 10 role where Palmer truly shines. With his deft footwork, keen eye for the perfect pass, and knack for finding space, he’s a natural fit as a central playmaker.
Former footballers like Chris Sutton and Cesc Fabregas believe Palmer’s playmaking abilities can change the course of a game, suggesting that he’s a player around whom both Chelsea and England might consider building their future.
As England heads into the Nations League with upcoming matches against Greece and Finland, all eyes will be on Palmer.
Can he replicate his club form on the international stage?
With his current trajectory, he’s not only poised to become a Premier League legend but could also redefine England’s playing style, bringing creativity and flair to a new generation of Three Lions football.