"He does nice things" – Marco van Basten praises Chelsea star but admits he did not know who he was before Euro 2024 clash
Netherlands legend Marco van Basten has lauded Chelsea star Cole Palmer while also revealing that he did not know the ace before England's 0-0 UEFA Euro 2024 draw against Slovenia.
Earlier this Tuesday (June 25), Palmer made his Euro 2024 debut after coming on as a substitute in place of Bukayo Saka in the 71st minute of the clash in Cologne. The 22-year-old completed 12 of 12 passes and registered one shot in his team's final Group C clash.
During an interview with Dutch news outlet NOS, Van Basten was asked to name the England player who impressed him the most at RheinEnergieStadion. The 59-year-old replied (h/t VoetbalPrimeur):
"Bright spots? Well, you did have that young boy, I didn't know that one. Left leg [and] then you think... he plays a bit like we actually want to see. He does nice things, [he] attacks and [takes on] players."
Sharing further thoughts on the Chelsea midfielder, Van Basten said:
"He is someone who [makes] you think: 'Okay!' [Phil] Foden, also, is of course of a similar type, and [Jude] Bellingham. Those boys should be able to play and [take on] many more players, but it all goes so slowly in that team. In any case, this match is not an advertisement for football. But that boy was the best on the field."
Palmer, who won the 2023-24 Premier League Young Player of the Season award, relished a breakout season for Chelsea. He helped them finish sixth in the Premier League table last season, registering 25 goals and 15 assists in 45 overall outings in the process.
Before his potential £45 million transfer to the Blues last summer, Palmer featured in 41 games across all competitions for Manchester City. He scored six goals and contributed two assists for his boyhood club.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer responds to Roy Keane's comments after Euro 2024 cameo
After England's draw against Slovenia at the Euro 2024, Manchester United great Roy Keane heaped praise on Cole Palmer for his fine cameo. He even hinted that the Chelsea star should start for England.
Queried to react to Keane's remarks, Palmer replied (h/t SPORTbible):
"Yeah, you know it's always nice to hear, especially coming from someone like Roy Keane who played internationally and at Manchester United, so it's nice to hear. But obviously, it's up to the manager [Gareth Southgate] now for what he wants to do."
Palmer, who has netted once in five England appearances so far, could start either as a right winger or in a number 10 role at the Euro 2024.