"There's no doubt about that" – Pep Guardiola backs Manchester City star to replicate Cole Palmer's Chelsea success
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has showered praise on youngster Oscar Bobb, claiming that the left-footed star has enough talent to emulate Cole Palmer's achievements at Chelsea.
Bobb, 21, started Manchester City's 7-6 penalty shootout triumph over Manchester United in the FA Community Shield game on Saturday (August 10). After Alejandro Garnacho's 82nd minute strike, Bobb recorded the assist for Bernardo Silva's 89th minute equalizing goal.
After the end of the contest at Wembley Stadium, Guardiola lauded the Norwegian for his stellar performance against Manchester United. The Spaniard told reporters (h/t Metro):
"Oscar made a fantastic game like all of pre-season. He has something unique; be stopped, then go, first one or two steps, right or left is unbelievable. The goal, how he turns and makes the cross, huge quality. He has incredible values and work ethic. He has the ability to do it and he can do it more regularly."
Asked if Bobb could replicate Palmer's success at Chelsea, he replied:
"That would be great because Cole Palmer's success at Chelsea last season was unbelievable. He was one of the best two or three players in the Premier League as well as his impact at the Euros. That happened because Cole played every single game and I'm pretty sure if Oscar plays a lot of minutes he can do many, many good things – there's no doubt about that."
Bobb, who arrived from Valeranga's youth setup in 2019, has featured in 27 games across all competitions for Manchester City so far. He has registered two goals and three assists for the Cityzens so far.
Palmer, on the other hand, relished a breakout campaign after moving to the Blues in a potential 42.5 million deal last summer. The 22-year-old, who represented City 41 times, found the back of the net 25 times and provided 15 assists in 45 matches for his club last season.
Juventus keen to rope in Chelsea attacker
According to Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are interested in signing Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling this summer. However, they are expected to face competition from elsewhere in the race.
Sterling, 29, is believed to have fallen down in his club's pecking order of late. The ex-Liverpool man has registered 19 goals and 12 assists in 81 outings for his team since leaving Manchester City in 2022.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are close to signing Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Pedro Neto in a permanent move worth up to £54 million soon.