Cole Palmer did not pass to De Bruyne in Manchester City training, Pep knew he got personality: Joleon Lescott
Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has claimed that Pep Guardiola felt Cole Palmer had something special because he didn't pass to Kevin De Bruyne in training. Palmer joined Chelsea in 2023 for a reported fee of £40 million.
The Englishman was a revelation for the Blues in their otherwise bittersweet season. In 48 appearances across all competitions, the 22-year-old managed 27 goals and 15 assists. He scored 22 goals in the Premier League and finished second in the race for the Golden Boot in his debut season for Chelsea.
Much has been said about Guardiola's decision to let Palmer leave the Etihad. However, Lescott is of the opinion that the Chelsea talisman wouldn't have made it to Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad had he not jumped ships to the west London club.
He further stated that Pep Guardiola was aware of how good Palmer was, but would've clashed with the 22-year-old over playing time expectations.
The 41-year-old stated that the former Barcelona manager knew the Englishman had something special because he never passed the ball to Kevin De Bruyne during training.
Here's what he told High Performance:
"Pep knew Palmer had something special because he doesn’t pass to Kevin De Bruyne when he asks for the ball. Pep knew he got personality because in training if young lads come up, and then Kevin shouts for the ball, even if it’s not on [for a pass], they would try to pass to him.
"Cole doesn’t do that. If there’s something better on for Cole and the team, that’s what’s happening, not that Kevin needs the ball."
The former Manchester City star has featured a couple of times for England in Euro 2024 so far. He played the crucial pass to Ollie Watkins in the 90th minute of their semi-final game against the Netherlands. The two teams were drawn level at 1-1 before Palmer's pass to Watkins, who then slotted one home.
Which Manchester City players will be playing for England and Spain in Euro 2024 final?
Euro 2024 final will feature 27 Premier League stars, 24 from England and three from Spain. A bittersweet Manchester City reunion will be on the cards with Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and John Stones likely to go against Spain midfielder Rodri.
Cole Palmer, who played an instrumental role in England's winner against the Netherlands, will be up against his Chelsea teammate Marc Cucurella. A total of 12 Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea Crystal Palace, Everton, Liverpool, and Manchester United, will have at least one player in the final.
Arsenal, Palace and Manchester City have the most, with four players each. While 27 Premier League players still have a shot at winning the European Championship, 76 other Premier League players were either eliminated from the group stages or the knockout stages.