Chelsea phenomenon Cole Palmer is staking a claim to be regarded as the best player in the Premier League so far this season.
As Enzo Maresca’s side defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 4-2 on Saturday, Palmer became the first player in Premier League history to score four goals before half-time in a single game — as per Opta Joe.
The Englishman already has six goals and four assists — sitting in second place for both metrics behind just Erling Haaland (10 goals) and Bukayo Saka (five assists).
The former Manchester City academy graduate is knocking on the door of being considered world-class by the masses.
Palmer’s quartet of goals were an indicator of how incredible a goalscorer he is — scoring a tap-in, a penalty, a sensational free-kick and beating Bart Verbruggen on the near post with a wonderful finish.
On the day, the 22-year-old could even have registered several assists if his teammates had also worn their shooting boots.
Pundit names the Man City player who’s still better than Palmer
As Palmer continues to raise the roof with his stunning displays, he will naturally be compared to the best players in the world in his position.
Since last season, the Chelsea attacker has been unplayable.
On form, there are not many attacking midfielders who are raising the bar quite like the youngster.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Chelsea since the treble-winner signed for the club, the versatile goalscorer is continuing to showcase week in and week out that he is not getting bogged down by the pressure.
Michael Brown was quizzed about whether he feels Palmer or Phil Foden is the better player during BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast.
Brown sided with Foden, explaining: “At this moment in time, Phil Foden is ahead of Cole Palmer, yes, he’s a better player. He’s got more, can we see Palmer coming into aura, then yes, he isn’t at Foden’s level. That is the point.”
“Could he be soon? Yes. But Foden’s just exceptional, he can do things that others can’t.”
The pundit continued: “Listen, I can’t argue, he just scored four goals mate, Phil’s not playing so yeah, I get it. I’ll get some kickback on it, it’s a nice question but Phil is just Phil Foden, isn’t he?”
“He’s getting close, he’s just behind Foden, that’s what I said to you.”
Phil Foden vs Cole Palmer debate could be settled this season
Based on his career so far coupled with the fact that Foden led Manchester City to the Premier League title last season, he will edge his countryman in such debates.
The £225,000-a-week man is yet to start a single league game for City this campaign and as a result, he cannot be compared to other players based on form.
But once Foden returns to the side, fans and pundits alike will likely keep a close eye on both players’ performances.
Considering Palmer outshone his former City teammate at Euro 2024 as well, he could be considered the better player if he manages to this season.
However, it would be a fool’s errant to ever doubt Foden’s credentials, especially after how he silenced his detractors last season.
It is fair to liken both players to each other as they are arguably England’s two best attacking midfielders alongside Jude Bellingham.
