"That’s what the very best players, the legends, do" - Chelsea star told to emulate Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to be considered 'the best'
Former Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur defender William Gallas has offered advice to Cole Palmer about emulating Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The England international has been sensational following his reported £42.5 million switch to Stamford Bridge last summer from Manchester City.
Palmer was only a bit-part player during his time at Manchester City, having come through the Cityzens' youth ranks. However, he has established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League after joining Chelsea.
Palmer scored 25 goals and produced 15 assists in 45 appearances across competitions for the Blues in his debut season. He was named Chelsea Player of the Season and Premier League Young Player of the Season for his exploits.
William Gallas has claimed that Palmer needs to maintain his levels for a long period if he is to be considered among the best players. The former France international defender insisted that it is truly remarkable that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were at the peak of their powers for almost two decades.
Speaking to Prime Casino, Gallas said (via GOAL):
"Cole Palmer needs to stay at his level. Produce a season like that again. And again. And again. Season after season, that’s what the very best players - the legends - do. Messi and Ronaldo, these guys were the best for almost 15-20 years. It’s remarkable, and that is the standard if you want to be considered the best."
Gallas added:
"What Palmer did last season with Chelsea was just incredible. I want to see him do it again. We’ve seen a lot of players have one season at the top level. The most difficult challenge for players is to stay in that level. To do it takes unbelievable commitment, huge sacrifices. You must live your life like a monk."
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal defender concluded:
"You must be happy knowing that you’re going to have three weeks in the year to switch off, and then you have to work even harder than the year before. It's not easy to do that. Not many players have the mental resources to deliver that kind of commitment."
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are arguably the two best players in the history of football. Their unmatched longevity is reflected in their combined tally of 13 Ballons d'Or, with Lionel Messi winning eight times and Cristiano Ronaldo winning five.
Palmer has started the new season on a bright note, coming up with one goal and four assists in six games so far. The 22-year-old has also earned nine caps for England, having scored twice while providing one assist.
Chelsea star picks between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has picked Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi after being asked to choose between the two greats of modern football. In an interview with BBC Sport, the 22-year-old has revealed that he prefers the former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar.
The interview went like this:
Interviewer: "First favorite player you ever had?"
Noni Madueke: "Cristiano Ronaldo."
Interviewer: "Better than Messi?"
Noni Madueke: "Yeah, for me."
The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest we have ever witnessed. Over the years, fans, pundits and footballers have been divided between the two players who have scored over 1,700 goals between them.
Madueke joined Chelsea in January 2023 in a reported £28.5 million deal from PSV Eindhoven. He has scored 13 goals and provided three assists in 53 appearances for the Blues so far and has also earned one cap for England.