Chelsea may have finally found a player who can replace what they lost when Diego Costa left the club. Cole Palmer may not play in the same position as the Spaniard but his actions after the recent win over Newcastle suggest he has some similar traits.
Palmer joined Chelsea late in the summer from boyhood club Manchester City. The £45million fee raised eyebrows after having only made 19 league appearances in his career to date.
But so far he has proven to be one of the Blues’ best signings in the Todd Boehly era. Palmer has six goals and three assists to his name having made just 10 starts in the Premier League this term.
Four of those goals have been from the penalty spot but taking on the responsibility from 12 yards at a club the size of Chelsea shows a huge self-confidence. At just 21, there is still so much to come from Palmer.
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One aspect of his game that could continue to grow is a knack for winding up his opponents. Costa was the master of it and Chelsea have not had a player of that ilk since.
But Palmer was captured after Tuesday’s dramatic Carabao Cup win over Newcastle proving he has that side to him. A video circulated on social media showing Palmer celebrating after his side won the penalty shootout.
With Madness’ One Step Beyond echoing around Stamford Bridge, Palmer was seen dancing and jumping up and down towards the travelling Newcastle fans. He appeared to point to one or two fans in particular while pumping his fists in celebration.
Palmer has already won over Chelsea fans with his performances on the pitch. But this latest act will only enhance their ever-growing love for the No 20.
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Palmer has played in a number of positions since joining, including as a false No 9. Whether he has a long-term role up top like Costa did remains to be seen.
Mauricio Pochettino recently suggested that a position slightly deeper will suit Palmer and the team best. He said: “For me he’s a playmaker, a player who can link the team.
“He’s also a player with the capacity to score goals and give assists. The contribution of Cole Palmer from day one has been massive.”
Costa was a player fans loved to have on their side and hated playing against. Chelsea haven’t had that for years but Palmer may finally fill that void.
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