After not participating in this midweek's Cup match, Cole Palmer (7 goals, 5 assists) is still doubtful for this Sunday's Premier League match against Arsenal. However, Chelsea have the opportunity to strike a blow and distance themselves from their London rival.
“Cole is doing better, but just because he can walk and eat dinner doesn't mean he's completely fine“, breathed Enzo Maresca at a press conference this Friday. Reporting on his squad in this Sunday's big Premier League clash against Arsenalthe tactician of Chelsea confirmed that he also wanted his star striker back on the pitch to dynamite his XI.
A pillar among the Blues
Sometimes winger, sometimes center forward and sometimes even number 10, at only 22 years old, Cole Palmer has already contributed greatly to Chelsea. A perfect versatile striker, he knows how to make himself available when the team is doing well or not moving forward, and can change the game at any time. This was, for example, particularly true this year against Brighton (4 buts).
It must be said that for two seasons, the young Englishman has kept his team going. He is even largely responsible for its rise to regain its letters of nobility. In addition to being striking in his game, the Briton is formidable on set pieces. And if that's not enough, he also knows how to motivate his teammates to seek victory.
All this makes him a frame and a pillar. In his absence in recent weeks (injury and choice of coach facing Newcastle and Panathinaikos), Chelsea nevertheless succeeded. But, its offensive contribution is not negligible and in the face of Arsenalany reinforcement is welcome.
And in the event that the player appears again in the starting XI of MarescaTHE Gunners have studied the question to the extent of its importance. “It's a question that every coach in the league has asked himself and he has always managed to have an impact on matches“, replied Mikel Arteta at a press conference. “We will have a plan for Cole and all his threats, and to exploit his weaknesses“.
Another season with more than 20 goals?
Last year, Palmer shined in the Premier League and the Cup. The player trained to Manchester City proved that despite his young age, he could do great things (25 goals and 15 assists in all competitions). Now fighting with his club to return to the top and in the Big 5 for a week, he still has room to shine this season.
The player is already set on dizzying ambitions. A month ago, for example, he admitted in the columns of Telegraph that “If (he) works hard, (he) believes he can win the Ballon d'Or one day It's a surprise to be recognized at this level so early in my career, already being on the Ballon d'Or list Gold. It's a great honor“.
Palmer came 25th in this year's 2024 ranking. It actually still has room to improve. This can be achieved through great performances against the big players in the Premier League, especially in important clashes, like the one this Sunday. And there is no doubt that if he is on the field, the player will give everything he has to cause problems for his rivals of the day.
