Chelsea icon Gianfranco Zola has made a bold prediction for rising star Cole Palmer, believing the 22-year-old has what it takes to eventually claim football’s highest honor, the Ballon d’Or.
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Since joining Chelsea for £40 million from Manchester City, Palmer has quickly established himself, scoring 25 goals in his debut season and securing the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.
His remarkable form continued with seven goals and five assists in just nine league appearances this season, showcasing his evolving skillset and making him a focal point in Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea lineup.
Zola, who scored 80 goals in his Chelsea career, was particularly impressed by Palmer’s preemptive vision on the field, highlighted in the team’s recent 2-1 victory over Newcastle United.
“The pass he made to Pedro Neto for the first goal – it was brilliant,” Zola remarked. He praised Palmer’s ability to anticipate his next move before receiving the ball, which Zola considers a sign of a highly developed football mind.
“If you know what you’re going to do with the ball before you receive it, you’re ahead of the opposition,” Zola explained.
However, Zola believes there’s still room for Palmer to improve, particularly in his physical game. “He needs to get a little faster and stronger in one-on-ones,” he noted, while acknowledging Palmer’s mental agility on the pitch.
Under Maresca’s guidance, Zola is confident Palmer will refine these areas and move closer to Ballon d’Or contention, citing Chelsea’s tactical progress and defensive discipline as evidence of effective coaching.
