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Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has lavished praise on Cole Palmer, hailing his influence in the team. The Englishman believes Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola made a huge mistake by letting Palmer go.
The Manchester City academy graduate earned his first-team promotion in 2021 but struggled to make it as an established figure in Guardiola's side. He made just three Premier League starts for the Cityzens before he departed from the Etihad.
The Blues secured Palmer's services from City last year for a reported £40 million fee, a sum that turned out to be a massive bargain. The 22-year-old swiftly settled into life in west London and dazzled with his performances. He racked up 27 goals and 15 assists across all competitions for Mauricio Pochettino's side last season, playing a crucial role in securing a sixth-place finish.
Joe Cole has spoken very highly of Palmer, labeling him a genius while highlighting Guardiola's error in sanctioning such a talented player's exit.
The former Chelsea forward said (via TBR Football):
“I think he’s a genius. There aren’t many mistakes that Pep Guardiola has made, but he’s definitely made one there. Absolutely, he is such a good player isn’t he? Such a player. The fact that Chelsea got him, that could be the one signing that salvages this ownership group because he held it together last year, and now the team looks good around him.”
The Blues will next face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday (20 October).
"We put all the pressure on his shoulders" - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says relying on in-form Cole Palmer is 'a big mistake'
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has admitted that it would be unwise for his team to rely heavily on Cole Palmer. The Italian insists that the young forward must not be burdened with carrying the team.
Speaking ahead of his side's clash against Liverpool this weekend, the former Leicester City manager said (as quoted by The Guardian):
“If we think that Cole is going to solve all our problems, it’s a big mistake. We put all the pressure on his shoulders and that is wrong.”
Emphasizing the contribution the rest of his squad makes, Maresca added:
"We have Cole but we have many players that are doing well. It’s not just about Cole, it’s about all the squad.”
Palmer has had an excellent start to the season, recording six goals and five assists in Chelsea's first seven league fixtures. While he has carried over his form from the last campaign, the Blues certainly do have other in-form players as well.
Christopher Nkunku is the club's top goalscorer so far, having netted seven times across competitions, while Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke have four goals to their name in the league as well.
