"Rare talent" Cole Palmer will be Chelsea's most important player of 2024
The new year is shaping up to be a crucial one for Chelsea, with owner Todd Boehly looking for a return on his massive investment since buying the club.
One of the few players who is showing why the Blues splashed out is Cole Palmer and the attacker will be at the heart of Mauricio Pochettino's plans this season. Signed from Manchester City in the summer, the Englishman had to wait patiently for his opportunity.
But after being handed the chance to impress, Palmer has grabbed it with both hands, becoming Chelsea's key man. He has scored eight goals and laid on six assists in 19 appearances, in what has largely been a miserable season for the Blues.
Remarkably, only Jude Bellingham has had more goal contributions among players 21 and under in the top five European leagues. With Pochettino struggling to get the best out of the rest of his forward line, Palmer's scoring prowess is much-welcomed.
Both of his goals in the win over Luton showed the range of skills at his disposal. And it is performances like that which have helped to drag Chelsea into the top-half, as well as earning the attacker rave reviews from the likes of former title winner Martin Keown.
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"This man is a rare talent. A joy to watch. He's got everything. He oozes class with everything he does. You put him under pressure and he picks out a pass," Keown told Match of the Day after the win at Luton.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Where will Chelsea finish in the Premier League this season? Comment below.
Cole Palmer is set to be Chelsea's most important player in 2024 (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)"He was the difference really between the two teams with his two goals and assist. He punishes you, he has everything in his game - the vision is there. He would be a wonderful addition hopefully this summer for Gareth Southgate.
"I'd take him, without doubt. He's one of the best young players in Europe with those statistics. He's only just really started. He took that move away from Manchester City and he's doing wonderfully well."
With the pressure set to grow on Pochettino if he cannot mastermind a successful end to the season, the Chelsea boss will need his best players to step up. Palmer has already shown he can carry the team on his shoulders.
And with his boss fielding historically youthful teams in the Premier League, that desire to rise to the occasion will be crucial. Also at stake for Palmer this year is a place in the England squad for Euro 2024.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate handed him his senior debut in the November qualifiers. If he keeps up his performance levels, Palmer could be a hot tip to be included in the squad that will travel to Germany.
England's other wide players have endured mixed seasons and with Palmer bang in form, Southgate will be keeping a close eye on him. Having already shown his ability to carry Chelsea on his back, Pochettino will be hoping for more of the same from his summer signing.
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