Martin Keown believes Cole Palmer is currently one of the best young players in Europe, after dazzling for Chelsea following his exit from Manchester City.
Palmer played a starring role yesterday for Chelsea in their 3-2 win over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in the Premier League.
The 21-year-old grabbed two goals and also set up Noni Madueke to score, as the Blues picked up three big points.
Palmer was signed by Chelsea on transfer deadline day, with the Blues paying City £42.5 million in total.
Pep Guardiola had apparently suggested to Palmer that he would see more game time at the Etihad Stadium following the departure of Riyad Mahrez, but the player was keen for a fresh start.
So far, his decision to move has been vindicated – and Martin Keown last night made some big claims about Palmer…
Martin Keown hails Cole Palmer as he thrives for Chelsea after leaving Manchester City
Palmer was in fine form yesterday for Chelsea.
He gave the Blues the lead with a fierce drive into the far corner after poor clearance to him on the edge on the box.
After assisting Madueke for Chelsea’s second, Palmer then scored his second with an outrageous bit of skill and composure.
After being played through by Nicolas Jackson, he rolled the ball over Thomas Kaminski before cutting in and finished between a couple of Luton players.
It was a top goal, and on Match of the Day, Palmer came in for high praise from former Arsenal defender Martin Keown. He said: “This man is a rare talent. A joy to watch, oozing class with everything he does. He was the difference really, between the two teams.
“(He has) everything is game, the vision is there. He’s got everything and he’s a wonderful addition. I’d take him (to the Euros) without a doubt. Look at these figures! He’s one of the best young players in Europe with these statistics. He’s only just really started, he took that journey away from Manchester City.”
So far, Palmer has eight goals and four assists for Chelsea in the Premier League – only Jude Bellingham has more goal contributions of players 21 and under across the top five leagues in Europe.
Great to see Palmer thriving
Palmer could not really have asked for a better start to life at Chelsea after leaving Manchester City, and you can only be pleased for him.
He decided he wanted to leave the Etihad in order to play more and he cannot be blamed for doing that. Opportunities were few and far between for him at the Etihad Stadium.
City got good money for him, although his early form does suggest that Chelsea may have actually picked up a bargain. It is too early to suggest that Palmer is a ‘regret’ for City, but he has undoubtedly started very well.
Hopefully, he can continue to shine and it would be really nice to see him get a seat on that England plane next summer.
