Cole Palmer has the “X-factor” to lead Chelsea to the Premier League title, says Paul Merson, while Jamie Carragher believes he could become “probably one of Chelsea’s greats”.
Chelsea came from two goals down to win 4-3 against London “Tottenham”. To close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to four points.
Palmer held his nerve at key moments, scoring twice from the penalty spot as he became the first player in Premier League history to score 12 in a row.
The England star also provided an assist for Enzo Fernandez, meaning no player in the Premier League has recorded more goals since the start of last season than Palmer’s 50.
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Enzo Maresca has written off Chelsea’s title chances, insisting they are far from the finished product, joking that “Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool won’t stumble like Mark Cucurella”.
“He’s phenomenal,” Merson said.
“No one really knew much about him when he came from Manchester City, so it was a free hit for him. But in the last seven months he’s the big boy now.
“The name of the game is to stop Cole Palmer, and they can’t do that. He’s too smart. Everyone needs X.” A factor to win the Premier League title and Chelsea have it with him.”
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Highlights of the Premier League match “Tottenham” – “Chelsea”.
Chelsea are now third favorites to win the Premier League with the bookies and are shorter in the betting than Manchester City.Enzo Maresca has taken his side ahead of where many predicted Chelsea would be this season as Spurs’ victory took them. It was the 14th win in the last 20 Premier League matches.
Karra: Palmer is on the same level as Hazard
According to Carragher, Palmer’s influence has been huge for Chelsea to challenge for the top flight.
“When you think about Chelsea’s skillful players like Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard, I think Palmer has done more than Zola in 18 months and Zola is one of Chelsea’s best ever players.
“He’s at the same level as Hazard and that happened over the course of four or five years.
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Former and current Chelsea stars Gianfranco Zola and Cole Palmer decide who has the best first touch, the best skills, the best free kick taker and more.
“If he takes Chelsea to the title, he’ll be one of the best players in their history if he keeps doing what he’s doing. He’s a special player.
“This Chelsea team is not a complete story. This is a team that has spent £1.2 billion, but what they are doing this season is completely unexpected. This club is right to challenge for the title.”
Maresca. Palmer is no ordinary player
Chelsea boss Maresca understands Palmer’s talent and potential better than many who coached the striker when he rose through the ranks at former club Manchester City.
Asked after the win against Spurs if he thought Palmer could now be considered the best player in the Premier League, Maresca said: “Cole belongs to these types of players, they are not normal players, they are elite players.
“And the top players, they do things that normal players or we say, ‘how can he do that?’, it’s because he’s Cole, because he’s the best. We can expect that From Cole.
“I had Cole for a year, so I’ve known him since then. When he was with me at U23, he’s the same guy. Nice, nothing weird is the best thing for young players.
When asked what he thought about Palmer’s “Panenka” shot, Maresca answered: “The second penalty… he’s frozen.”
