Since his high-profile £40 million move from Manchester City to Chelsea in the summer of 2023, he has taken the Premier League by storm.
Despite limited top-flight experience, Palmer’s impact at the London-based club has been nothing short of extraordinary.
In his debut season at Stamford Bridge, the 22-year-old showcased his immense potential, netting 22 goals and providing 11 assists in just 33 matches. His impressive form has carried over into the current campaign, with seven goals and five assists in only nine topflight games.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been particularly effusive in his praise for Palmer, even going so far as to label him the “best player” in the Premier League earlier this season after a remarkable four-goal performance against Brighton.
Maresca said: “He scored four but he also could have scored two or three more. It’s important he stays hungry, ambitious and I know him from many years ago with the under-23s at City and with the first team.
“What he was as a boy is exactly what he was three or four years ago. Goals, assists, best player of the Premier League – this doesn’t change the way he is. He’s a humble guy and for me it’s the most important thing.
“He’s a top player and today in football young players can change quick. Cole scores goals and never changes and this is the most important thing.
“He’s special player, he’s a simple and humble guy. He doesn’t need to tell people how good he is because you can see it clearly.”