“God, I didn’t realize how good he was!” - Paul Gascoigne makes big acknowledgement about Chelsea star
England great Paul Gascoigne has heaped praise on Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer. The 57-year-old acknowledged he didn't realize how good the youngster was.
Palmer signed for Chelsea from Manchester City in a deal reportedly worth an initial £40 million in the summer of 2023. Since signing for the Blues, he has been the club's standout player.
Last season, Palmer scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists in 33 Premier League games for Chelsea. He has already registered six goals and five assists in seven league matches in the current campaign.
While Palmer has shown his quality for over a season, it is only now that Paul Gascoigne has taken notice of the 22-year-old's talent. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United star spoke to Football365, acknowledging his lack of appreciation for Palmer.
"Yeah. God, I didn’t realize how good he was! It’s only the last couple of games I’ve watched him on Match of the Day, he’s been unbelievable. He’s hungry, he scored four [against Brighton], he wants to do well and he’s with a good team, he’s sharp," Gazza told SportsCasting (via the Chelsea Chronicle).
Palmer's performances have also been appreciated by Chelsea, who extended his contract on improved terms, keeping him at Stamford Bridge till 2033.
"He's special" - Chelsea teammate on Cole Pamer
Cole Palmer's following continues growing at a meteoric pace. In an interview with The Guardian, Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella gave his teammate a glowing review.
The Spaniard said that Palmer's personality off the pitch doesn't make him seem like a footballer, but acknowledged that the Englishman is a special player.
"If you see him not in his kit you would never in your life say he was a footballer, but then on the pitch, he shoots and it doesn’t seem like he is hitting it hard but he scores them all. He’s very different. I don’t know how to explain it: he’s special," Cucurella said via the Chelsea Chronicle.
Cucurella joked about his teammate's hair while claiming Palmer was destined for greatness.
"If he carries on like this, he’ll be among the best. There’s not much strength in the hair, but if that’s his only problem, then he’s all right," the left-back added.
Chelsea will face table-toppers Liverpool after the international break on Sunday, October 20.