"He didn’t win anything. He doesn’t play in Europe" - Pundit questions Chelsea star Cole Palmer's inclusion in Ballon d'Or shortlist
Pundit Darren Bent has provided his thoughts on Chelsea star Cole Palmer's nomination for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The former Premier League striker suggested that since the 22-year-old neither won a trophy nor started for England, he should not have made the shortlist.
He said on talkSPORT:
“For Chelsea, domestically, was brilliant. He didn’t win anything. He doesn’t play in Europe. He doesn’t start for his country. How are you on one of the 30 best players in the world?”
Palmer made the shortlist of the top 30 players in the world for the prestigious award alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Jr.
He was sensational last season for Chelsea last campaign, bagging 27 goals and 15 assists in 48 games. Having made a late move from Manchester City to Stamford Bridge last summer, he played a key role as the Blues finished sixth in the Premier League.
Palmer also earned a call-up to the England squad for UEFA Euro 2024. While he did not start any of the games, he had handy contributions from the bench. He notably scored the equaliser in the final as the Three Lions went on to lose 2-1 to Spain.
Chelsea make decision over Cole Palmer's inclusion in UEFA Europa Conference League
Chelsea have decided to leave out Cole Palmer from their squad for the UEFA Europa Conference League league phase. The west London side have made the decision to omit their star attacker owing to concerns over his increased playing time.
The list also sees other key players like Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia excluded. The pair missed most of the previous campaign with injuries and thus the Blues are keen on not repeating their struggles from last season.
Chelsea will still boast a heap of attacking options including the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, and Jadon Sancho. The 29-man squad is for their league stage fixtures only and the excluded players can be added for the knockout stages should they qualify. They are set to play Gent, Panathinaikos, Noah FC, Heidenheim, FC Astana, and Shamrock Rovers.
Palmer has continued his splendid form from the previous season for the side. He has already bagged one goal and four assists in just three Premier League games this campaign. He played a combined 55 games for club and country last time around, leading the Blues to provide him with some much-needed rest this season.