Cole Palmer’s star continues to rise Premium

While the 22-year-old Palmer’s skill, athleticism and ball-striking are eye-catching, it’s his mental strength under pressure that suggests he could become a true world-beater

Last month, Chelsea captain Reece James made a startling declaration. “Cole Palmer is one of the best in the world, I think personally,” James said. “At [Manchester] City, he didn’t play as much as he would like but he has come here and taken the chance with both hands.”

Even accounting for the sort of hyperbole teammates sometimes bestow on one another, the compliment offered a sense of the impact Palmer has had at Stamford Bridge. With 22 goals and 11 assists in 33 Premier League games, he powered Chelsea out of the bottom half of the points table and into a qualification spot for the European Conference League.

Palmer appeared genuinely surprised by James’ compliment, saying: “I wouldn’t go that far. But it’s nice to hear. It’s all new to me. This is my first season playing properly in the league.”

James isn’t the only footballer to be awed by Palmer’s quality after a look at close quarters. Both Phil Foden and Kieran Trippier recently spoke about the 22-year-old’s special talent. 

“I always knew [Palmer] would have a brilliant career,” City prodigy Foden said of his England and former City teammate. “You can see it straight away when you’ve got a top player. With Cole, it’s effortless. Slows play down, shifts to the side, chops with fake shots. You can see the instinct straight away in a player. He was one of the best in the five-a-sides [in training].”

Newcastle full-back Trippier, who trained with Palmer this week as England prepares for the Euros, was similarly struck. “He’s really surprised me, a top-quality player,” said Trippier. “It’s just how he finds the pockets [of space]. His awareness for where other people are and how clever he is for such a young age. I am really happy that I’ve trained with him, he’s been quality.”

While Palmer’s skill, athleticism and ball-striking are eye-catching, it’s his mental strength, especially his response to pressure, that suggests he could become a true world-beater.