“He’s a top player” - Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter heaps praise on 'incredible' Blues star
Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter has lavished praise on Cole Palmer, hailing the England international's goalscorer ability. Potter managed the west Londoners for eight months during the 2022-23 campaign. The Blues appointed him early in the season after sacking Thomas Tuchel.
The English manager failed to keep his job until the end of the season as Chelsea decided to part ways with him and hire Frank Lampard as interim boss. The Blues then brought in Mauricio Pochettino last summer while signing Cole Palmer from Manchester City for a reported £42.5 million fee.
Palmer turned out to be arguably their best signing in recent times and was a marquee player in Pochettino's side. He showed exceptional form last season, playing a crucial role in the Blues finishing sixth in the league. He scored 27 goals and provided 15 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.
Potter recently expressed his admiration for the 22-year-old, lauding Palmer's technique and composure. The former Chelsea manager said on Sky Sports (via journalist Ben Jacobs on X):
“His technical level is incredibly high and he’s just so calm… He scores all types of goals can see a killer pass and can link the play. He’s a top player.”
Palmer has already scored six goals and provided four assists in six Premier League fixtures for the west Londoners this term.
"He can play anywhere" - Micah Richards lavishes praise on Chelsea star Cole Palmer after Brighton display
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has explained why Cole Palmer is cut from a different cloth compared to the rest of his peers. The pundit hailed the midfielder's versatility on the pitch.
Chelsea won 4-2 against Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on September 28 and Palmer took center stage with an extraordinary display. The England international bagged all four goals within the first half, becoming the first player to do so in a Premier League match.
On The Rest is Football podcast, Richards claimed that Palmer's ability to influence a match from any position on the pitch is what makes him so special. He said:
“Cole Palmer can play on the right and in central areas. Joleon [Lescott] mentioned about playing deep. He can play anywhere. And I think that’s what separates him from the rest. I think he can have an effect on the game from whatever position he is playing.”
Chelsea will next host Gent at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday, October 3.