Cole Palmer is “Mr Cool” and already a Chelsea hero, says Roberto Di Matteo, but has been told that he needs a trophy to “validate” his greatness.
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Joined Blues in 2023 for £40mBecome a talisman at Stamford BridgeNow looking to land major silverwareFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
England international Palmer moved to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City for £40 million ($50m) in the summer of 2023. A stunning debut campaign in west London delivered 25 goals and Young Player of the Year awards from the PFA and Premier League.
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Palmer has a further 14 efforts to his name this term – with that haul including a historic four-goal first-half salvo against Brighton – and continues to enhance his blossoming reputation at 22 years of age. He has become a talismanic presence and a man that looks to lead by example with club and country.
WHAT ROBERTO DI MATTEO SAID
Asked for his take on Palmer and whether his services can be retained on a long-term basis, former Chelsea midfielder and Champions League-winning manager Di Matteo – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “Mr Cool! He’s a great player. He glides over the pitch. When you watch the team play and you watch him, you see that he’s such a talented player. He always finds the space. I think why don’t the opposition mark him, but then I’ve watched him very closely and he’s such an intelligent player. He always puts himself in a position where he can receive the ball in space.
“He is such a technician. He reads the game so well before he receives the ball, he already knows what’s happening. That’s a great gift to have. Technically he is obviously very good. He must be the best signing in the new era, under the new owners. He has had such a big impact on the team. He is a game changer as well, so he’s a very valuable player.
“I don’t see why not [staying put]. Chelsea are a big club and will again be challenging. This season they have shown that they can be challengers again. The next step will be finishing in the top four and build from there.”
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Pressed on whether Palmer could follow in some illustrious footsteps and become a Chelsea great, Di Matteo – who worked with the likes of Gianfranco Zola and Frank Lampard as a player and coach – added: “I think in the hearts of fans he is already probably in that bracket. As a player, you need to achieve trophies. That’s what validates you as a player.
“If you go through your career and you don’t win anything, you might be a great player but I don’t think as an individual he would be happy with that. Once they start winning, and this year they have opportunities to put a trophy on the cabinet, that will validate him even more.”
