“He has hallmarks of being a top-class player for years to come " - Alan Shearer showers praises on 'phenomenal' Chelsea star
Premier League legend Alan Shearer has lavished praise on Chelsea star Cole Palmer, who has been the Blues' standout performer over the past two terms. The England international has been exceptional for the Blues following his reported £42.5 million switch from Manchester City in 2023.
There was hardly any hype for Palmer when he moved to Stamford Bridge from his boyhood club. The attacking midfielder was only a fringe player for the Cityzens under Pep Guardiola but has become the Blues' biggest star.
Alan Shearer has hailed Palmer for his extraordinary rise and has tipped him for a bright future. The former Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United striker has insisted that the Englishman seems to be under no pressure and looks unfazed by anything. Shearer told The Athletic (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
“I don’t class Cole Palmer as a striker; he’s a modern, versatile forward — but I love him as a player and this is my excuse to write about him! His rise from where he was at Manchester City to where he is now is extraordinary."
Shearer added:
“He’s phenomenal at everything, particularly scoring goals, but one of his biggest attributes is not being fazed by anything; he looks like he’s playing in the park with his pals. You’d never know he was operating under any sort of pressure."
The former England striker, who won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in 1994-95, concluded:
“Chelsea wouldn’t be anywhere near as good as they are without him in the team. He dictates everything. His passing ability, his willingness to take the ball in tight areas, his finishing. He has all the hallmarks of being a top-class player for years to come.”
Palmer has established himself as one of the most productive attackers in the Premier League during his time at Stamford Bridge. He has found the back of the net 32 times in 57 appearances for the Blues, while producing 20 assists.
Alan Shearer predicts the outcome of Sunday's showdown between Chelsea and Arsenal
Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer has predicted a draw between Chelsea and Arsenal on Sunday. November 10. The former England striker insisted that Mikel Arteta's side will be under much more pressure compared to the Blues ahead of the game.
Shearer has also tipped the game to be a fierce battle between the two London giants predicting one of two red cards. In his column for Metro, Shearer wrote:
"Chelsea head into their match with Arsenal above the Gunners after 10 Premier League games, and though Arsenal have stumbled recently, it shows how well Enzo Maresca has done at Chelsea, especially when you include the chaotic nature at the club."
Shearer added:
"The midfield is probably where this game with Arsenal will be won and lost. Rice and Partey against Caicedo and Lavia is a good battle because you're talking about good midfielders that enjoy handling the ball."
The former Premier League striker added:
"The game against Chelsea is a 'must not get beat game' for Arsenal. I don't care who you are, the potential of sitting 10 points behind Liverpool is a lot at this level, and they can't afford too many more defeats. There will be fireworks, and it wouldn't surprise me if we saw a red card or two, but I'll go for a draw on Sunday."
Chelsea and Arsenal are level on points ahead of the 11th gameweek but the Blues lead the Gunners by goal difference. With 18 points each, they sit seven points behind leaders Liverpool, who face Aston Villa on Saturday, November 9.