Cole Palmer: The Rising Star Powering Chelsea’s Comeback
Is Cole Palmer Chelsea’s best player right now? That’s the question on everyone’s mind after the 22-year-old delivered another jaw-dropping performance in Chelsea’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Enzo Maresca, who knows Palmer well from their time together at Manchester City’s under-23s, believes the young star’s meteoric rise hasn’t changed his humble nature. And after Sunday’s game, it’s hard to argue with him.
Let’s set the stage. Chelsea found themselves in a nightmare scenario at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, trailing 2-0 just 11 minutes into the match. Mistakes by Marc Cucurella allowed Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski to capitalize early, leaving Chelsea fans stunned. But what followed was nothing short of a masterclass in resilience and determination.
Jadon Sancho sparked the comeback, cutting the deficit in half. Then, it was Cole Palmer’s time to shine. The England international coolly converted the first of two penalties, sandwiching a stunning 73rd-minute volley from Enzo Fernández. Palmer’s second penalty, a cheeky “Panenka,” sealed the deal and showcased his ice-cold composure under pressure. Even a late consolation goal from Son Heung-Min in added time couldn’t dampen Chelsea’s spirits as they secured a crucial win.
Palmer’s Record-Breaking Stats
Palmer’s performance wasn’t just about the goals; it was about making history. With his second penalty, Palmer now boasts the best conversion rate in Premier League history, surpassing Yaya Toure by scoring all 12 of his penalties to date. Let that sink in for a moment. At just 22 years old, Palmer is already rewriting the record books.
And it doesn’t stop there. Sunday’s game marked Palmer’s 50th goal involvement in just 48 Premier League games. To put that into perspective, only three players have reached that milestone in fewer appearances: Erling Haaland (39 games), Andy Cole (43 games), and Mohamed Salah (46 games). That’s some elite company.
Maresca’s High Praise
Enzo Maresca, who managed Palmer during their time at Manchester City, couldn’t hide his admiration for the young star. “I know Cole from four or five years ago,” Maresca said. “The best thing from him is that four, five years ago when he was with me he was one way and now after two years, 20-30 goals and everyone considers him one of the [best] he is exactly the same guy.”
Maresca went on to praise Palmer’s humility and love for the game. “Loves football, humble, no strange things. This is the best thing for Cole and for young players because today, young players if they play one game good they think they are [top] and they lose the balance. He is always the same, doesn’t change, and we are very happy with Cole.”
It’s not just Maresca who’s impressed. Fans and pundits alike are raving about Palmer’s ability to stay grounded despite his rapid rise to stardom. In an era where young players often let fame get to their heads, Palmer’s level-headedness is a breath of fresh air.
What Makes Palmer Special?
So, what sets Palmer apart from the rest? According to Maresca, it’s his ability to do the extraordinary. “Cole belongs to that group that are not normal players. They are top players and they do things that normal players or us, we say ‘how can he do that?’ He scored because he’s top. We can expect this from Cole.”
That “Panenka” penalty is a perfect example. It’s the kind of move that requires not just skill but also nerves of steel. And Palmer delivered it with the confidence of a seasoned veteran.
Chelsea’s Climb Continues
With this win, Chelsea leapfrogged Arsenal to claim second place in the Premier League standings. They now sit just four points behind league leaders Liverpool. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a team that looked down and out just 11 minutes into the game.
As for Palmer, his stock continues to rise. At 22, he’s already being mentioned in the same breath as players like Haaland and Salah. If he keeps this up, there’s no telling how far he can go.
Key Takeaways
- Cole Palmer scored two penalties, including a “Panenka,” in Chelsea’s 4-3 win over Tottenham.
- He now holds the best penalty conversion rate in Premier League history, scoring all 12 of his penalties.
- Palmer has 50 goal involvements in just 48 Premier League games, a feat surpassed only by Erling Haaland, Andy Cole, and Mohamed Salah.
- Enzo Maresca praised Palmer’s humility and consistency, calling him a “top player.”
So, is Cole Palmer Chelsea’s best player? If Sunday’s performance is anything to go by, the answer might just be a resounding yes. One thing’s for sure: the Premier League has a new star, and his name is Cole Palmer.
Originally Written by: Mark Donaldson
