The Pride of London
Fansided

Chelsea loanee Kasey Palmer pursues another promotion at Derby County

By Ollie Miller

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Kasey Palmer of Huddersfield Town during the Premier League match between Everton and Huddersfield Town at Goodison Park on December 2, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Kasey Palmer of Huddersfield Town during the Premier League match between Everton and Huddersfield Town at Goodison Park on December 2, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Kasey Palmer had a run-out in his debut for Derby County, his second loan team of the season. If he can stay healthy he could help a Championship team earn promotion for the second year in a row.

Kasey Palmer made his senior-level debut last season in the Championship with Huddersfield Town. He made a strong impression in their promotion-winning season, scoring four goals and adding three assists. This season should have seen his breakthrough as Premier League-calibre player.

Unfortunately Palmer’s injury troubles during the first half of this season halted his progress. He made three appearances for Huddersfield before a hamstring injury sidelined him for over two months. He then made one more appearance before spending the rest of 2017 on the bench.

After making such an impression in their promotion-winning season, Palmer now aims to do it all over again with Derby County. The Rams are currently a distant second in the Championship, and are in a battle to hold on to the automatic promotion spot.

Derby already has their fair share of attacking talent. Matej Vydra has 17 of their 47 league goals. However, Palmer’s performances last year should show his way into the team fairly easily given his talent. His very brief appearance in his first game with the squad bodes well for the confidence Gary Rowett has for the young Englishman.

Must Read: Chelsea predicted XI vs. Watford: Eden Hazard starts as false-nine in 3-4-3

While still a youngster, this loan may feel like a second chance at success. Last season’s heroics with Huddersfield led to Palmer being recognized as one of their star performers. The Terriers wanted him to continue with them for their first season in the top flight and Chelsea smartly obliged.

While Palmer is likely ready for a Premier League loan, a return to the Championship could help him to lift himself after the difficult first half. Another promotion-chasing Championship side could do wonders to boost his confidence. He is familiar with the league and the qualities necessary to succeed.

The loan is a good move for Chelsea, too. The Championship offers better chances for consistent game time, which is the major factor in Antonio Conte’s decisions to promote a young player to the first-team squad. Then again, Lewis Baker has only started six games all season for Middlesbrough. Baker’s performances in the Championship have not been to the level of last season at Vitesse, so the pressure is on Palmer to regain his form.

Next: Antonio Conte alone on the high ground as Mourinho, Guardiola pull stunts

If last season’s version of Kasey Palmer shows up and his injuries stay away, Derby County fans are in for a treat, and they will appreciate his help taking them to the top flight.

Home/Chelsea FC Loan Watch