Jamie Carragher has lavished praise on Chelsea star Cole Palmer, declaring him a “game-changing footballer” and suggesting Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes would be bolstered if he were at Anfield.
Palmer, just 22, has enjoyed a sensational start to his career at Chelsea, netting 25 goals in his debut season after joining from Manchester City for £40 million. His impressive form earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Season award and a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
This season, the playmaker has continued to shine, contributing six goals and five assists in just seven league appearances. Carragher, who initially doubted Chelsea’s top-four aspirations, has reversed his stance, crediting Palmer as the primary reason for his change of heart.
“Palmer is thriving, and any team with him has a chance,” Carragher stated in the Daily Telegraph. He highlighted how Chelsea’s management made a wise decision in appointing a coach familiar with Palmer’s talent from their Manchester City days.
Carragher went on to assert that if Palmer were at Liverpool, it would enhance manager Arne Slot’s chances of clinching the Premier League title in his inaugural season. “Palmer is that good, currently averaging more goal involvements per match than Stamford Bridge legends Didier Drogba and Diego Costa,” he noted.
As Liverpool prepares to face Chelsea this weekend, Carragher emphasized the significance of the match. “Whichever side wins will redefine their good start as excellent,” he said, highlighting the stakes for both teams.
Looking ahead, Carragher even speculated on Palmer’s potential future, suggesting that if Chelsea struggled again, Manchester United might be a plausible destination for the young star. “Cole Palmer to Man United could be something that happens in 12 months if it doesn’t go well for Chelsea,” he remarked.
With both Liverpool and Chelsea impressing this season, the upcoming clash promises to be a thrilling encounter.