Cole Palmer has continued his electrifying rise at Chelsea, impressing in a stellar start to the Premier League season.
The 21-year-old attacker, who won the PFA Young Player of the Year award last season, has already amassed seven goals and five assists in Chelsea’s opening 12 games.
However, his success doesn’t come without sacrifices. Palmer’s intense work ethic has occasionally led Chelsea’s assistant coach, Enzo Maresca, to intervene and ask the youngster to scale back his training.
Speaking about his post-training routine, Palmer shared, “If Maresca lets me, I’d stay all day. It’s too much sometimes.” His hunger for improvement has been a defining trait, one that Chelsea fans hope will propel the Blues further this season.
Palmer’s approach has paid dividends on the pitch, but Chelsea have strategically managed his workload. He was excluded from the club’s Europa Conference League squad, allowing him to focus on Premier League fixtures. This decision underscores his importance to the team as they prepare for a crucial clash against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.
In a recent interview with Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola, Palmer reflected on how his upbringing shaped his playing style.
He recalled formative moments playing in the park with his father and friends, emphasizing how those experiences made football enjoyable and built his technical skills.
“As the smallest player on the pitch, I had to work more on my skills,” Palmer explained. “I would get pushed off the ball or kicked, so I had to think faster. Now I’ve caught up in height, and it’s easier to handle those challenges.”
Despite his impressive form, Palmer recently withdrew from England’s Nations League squad due to injury. The decision sparked criticism, with England captain Harry Kane accusing players of exploiting injuries to avoid international duty.
Maresca, however, dismissed suggestions that Chelsea pressured Palmer into pulling out. “Absolutely not,” he said following Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Leicester.
As Palmer continues to flourish, his story highlights the blend of natural talent and tireless determination. Fans eagerly anticipate his next performance, starting with Chelsea’s Premier League showdown against Aston Villa this weekend.
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