As England gears up for its upcoming Nations League fixtures, one player who has dominated discussions in footballing circles is Cole Palmer. The young Chelsea forward has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting talents in both domestic and international football. His impressive performances have led many, including pundits and former players, to suggest that Palmer may be one of the most crucial players for England at this moment in time.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, has gone so far as to declare Palmer “the best player in the Premier League,” while his Chelsea teammate, Jadon Sancho, noted that with Palmer in the team, “anything is possible.” These comments speak volumes about the rising star’s potential and his importance both for his club and potentially for his country. With England’s upcoming matches against Greece and Finland, it’s clear that Palmer’s form could make him a key player in Gareth Southgate’s plans.
A Blistering Start to the Season
Palmer’s current form is nothing short of spectacular. Already this season, he has scored six goals in just seven Premier League games. His performance against Brighton, where he netted four goals in a first-half blitz, is one of the standout individual displays of the season. Beyond his goal-scoring exploits, Palmer has contributed a series of assists and has demonstrated an exceptional ability to impact the game from various positions on the field.
Such form has earned him recognition from England fans, who voted him the 2023-24 England men’s player of the year despite his limited appearances. Additionally, with Palmer on the team, Chelsea’s future is looking bright. Currently, domestic sportsbooks and betting sites not on GamStop provide odds on football matches with many showing that Chelsea has odds of 250/1 of winning the English Premier League, and fans and sports bettors are eagerly watching these figures, and Palmer, as the season progresses. As punters look for more flexible ways to wager online, many will be opting to visit betting sites that bypass the UKGC’s tough GamStop rules while some may even wager in-person if they are lucky enough to attend events or be at physical venues viewing matches.
Out of his nine caps for the national team, only two have been as a starter, yet Palmer’s influence on the pitch is undeniable. His ability to make things happen, whether in the Premier League or for the Three Lions, makes him an exciting prospect for both club and country.
The Praise from Legends
The praise Palmer has received from some of the most renowned figures in English football further underscores the growing hype around him. Former England striker Gary Lineker recently remarked that Palmer “takes my breath away every time I see him play,” adding that he could be the best of the current crop of talented English players. These sentiments are echoed by former Arsenal and England forward Theo Walcott, who insisted that Palmer’s potential could make him a “legend of the Premier League.”
Walcott’s comments about Palmer’s aura on the pitch are particularly telling. His confidence and ability to command attention from defenders make him a dangerous player to face. In short, Palmer’s style of play demands respect, and if he continues his current trajectory, he could become one of the defining players of his generation.
Building the Team Around Palmer?
Palmer’s rise has sparked discussions not only about his place in the national team but also about how a club side could potentially build a team around him. Since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer, Palmer has continued his development at a rapid pace, showing why many believe he has the makings of a future superstar.
According to former Spain and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, Palmer’s ability to control games and make things happen means that he could be a player a team could genuinely build around. “When someone is that special, you want them to have the ball as much as possible,” Fàbregas said. He described Palmer as someone who sees the game “slower than everyone else,” able to pick passes and make decisions with remarkable clarity. His vision and composure on the ball mark him out as a player with the potential to dictate the flow of a game.
While Fàbregas acknowledged the importance of maintaining a collective team effort, he also noted that there comes a point where the sheer quality of a player like Palmer demands that the team structure be tailored to suit his strengths. With his skill set, Palmer could be the player to shape a team’s attacking play and become a focal point for his club and country.
Palmer’s Role with England
For England, Palmer’s impressive form could make him indispensable in the upcoming Nations League games. After missing England’s last fixtures in September due to injury, Palmer’s return to action couldn’t have come at a better time. The England squad is currently filled with talent, including names like Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and more. However, Palmer’s performances this season—particularly his goals and assists—could make a strong case for him to start ahead of some of his more established teammates.
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton recently argued that Palmer’s current form is better than that of many of his contemporaries, including Saka, and suggested that he should start against Greece. Sutton pointed out that Palmer’s impressive numbers, both in terms of goals and assists, make him a key player for the national team, and he believes that his versatility across different positions should be an asset for England’s tactical setup.
