“He’s just an incredible footballer” - Danny Murphy names ‘super intelligent’ player who makes Chelsea tick
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has hailed Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer for his impressive game attributes. The 22-year-old has been one of the club's standout players since arriving from Manchester City last summer.
In 52 games across competitions, Palmer has contributed 27 goals and 19 assists, including 25 strikes and 15 assists in 45 outings in his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge last season.
The England international has had a relatively quiet start to the current campaign under new boss Enzo Maresca - registering two goals and five assists in seven outings across competitions.
Nevertheless, Palmer has drawn high praise from Murphy, who said on talkSPORT (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
“Chelsea have no doubt got some super players, the best one being Cole Palmer. He’s just an incredible footballer. Super confident, super intelligent, makes them tick, breeds confidence throughout."
Palmer's six goal contributions this season have all come in the Premier League, where the Blues are fifth in the standings after five games, trailing leaders Manchester City (13) by three points.
The Euro 2024 finalist scored in the Blues' 3-0 win at West Ham United in their last league outing on Saturday (September 21).
What's next for Chelsea?
Chelsea have begun to find their stride under new boss Enzo Maresca - who succeeded Mauricio Pochettino this summer. Following a 2-0 opening day home defeat to four-time defending champions Manchester City, the Blues have gone unbeaten in four league games, winning three.
Their latest win was the aforementioned 3-0 victory at West Ham at the weekend. Nicolas Jackson starred with a first-half brace before Palmer bagged his second goal of the season after the break.
Maresca's side are next in action in the EFL Cup, where they open their campaign at home to League Two leaders Barrow on Tuesday (September 24). The Italian is set to make a few changes for the game:
"Some of them, we will see if they will start, but if not we will have them on the bench and see if we can give them some minutes," said Maresca (as per the BBC).
"It will be a chance, as we have done in the UEFA Conference League, so hopefully they can show a little bit themselves to get more minutes."
The Blues host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday (September 28) as they seek to continue their three-game unbeaten run across competitions.