"I think he is the best player in the League" - Frank Lampard lavishes praise on 22-year-old Chelsea star
Chelsea icon Frank Lampard has waxed lyrical about Cole Palmer, hailing his influence on the team. The former Blues midfielder believes the English forward is currently the best player in the Premier League.
Palmer arrived at Stamford Bridge last year in a reported £42 million move from Manchester City. The 22-year-old turned out to be a revelation for the Blues despite reservations over his transfer fee.
The youngster had struggled to establish himself at the Etihad Stadium and his lack of game time in the Premier League caused concerns over his signing. However, he quickly began shining with his performances for Chelsea.
Palmer racked up 27 goals and 15 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions last term, helping the Blues secure a sixth-place finish.
Speaking about the England international before Chelsea's 1-1 draw against Manchester United this weekend, Lampard said on Sky Sports (via Football.london):
"I think he is the best player in the League. What he is delivering, in terms of goals and assists, in terms of his importance to the team. [He is] beautiful to watch, receives the ball in any area, knows what he is going to do with it next."
He added:
"His execution of passes and finishes is absolutely top level and there were times last season where, you wouldn't say he carried the team, but he was a difference in a difficult season for Chelsea and he unleashed himself and we all saw it. Now, he has got better support acts around him."
Chelsea will next face Armenian outfit FC Noah in the Conference League on Thursday (November 7) before clashing with Arsenal next weekend (November 10).
"Palmer’s vision is unparalleled" - Arsenal icon Martin Keown heaps praise on Chelsea star
Arsenal icon Martin Keown has lauded Cole Palmer's vision on the pitch, praising the Chelsea forward as an exceptional player. The pundit highlighted Palmer's display against Newcastle United in particular.
The Blues won 2-1 against Newcastle in their Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge on October 27. Palmer was involved in the build-up to Nicolas Jackson's opener in the first half before scoring a goal of his own in the second period.
The Englishman made an excellent pass from inside his own half to Pedro Neto, who assisted Jackson on the counter. Speaking about Palmer's through ball, Keown said:
“Palmer’s vision is unparalleled. That pass for Jackson’s opener in last weekend’s 2-1 Premier League win over Newcastle was on another level. Few players would have seen that ball was on, let alone possess the quality to execute it. Palmer plays as if there’s no time to lose, desperate to make sure everyone knows how exceptional he is."
Palmer has been in excellent form this season as well, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in ten league games so far.