“That’s the biggest compliment I can pay to him” – Joe Cole makes bold Palmer claim after Bournemouth draw

Wednesday 15th January 2025 04:19 AM

Joe Cole has made a bold claim about Cole Palmer following Chelsea’s draw against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

The 2-2 draw means the Blues have now taken just three points from the last 15 and are winless in their last five Premier League games.

It could have been worse with Chelsea staring down the barrel of a 2-1 defeat before Reece James stepped up in the last minute and equalised with a freekick.

Palmer showed such skill and composure as he sat Mark Travers down in the Bournemouth goal before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net.

Thomas Tuchel was back at Stamford Bridge watching the game and surely Palmer will be an integral part of his England plans.

Cole Palmer celebrates scoring against Bournemouth. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

The 22-year-old has been nothing short of a revelation, and former Blue Cole made a bold claim when speaking about Palmer.

“He plays the game at his own speed,” he told TNT Sports.

“That’s the biggest compliment I can pay to him. When you watch him, he reminds you of [Lionel] Messi.

“I don’t want to put that kind of pressure on him but he plays at his own pace. It’s a sensational finish and these fans love watching him play football.”

There’s no doubt Palmer is a sensational footballer and to be getting these comparisons in just his second season of regular football shows how huge his rise has been since the start of last season.