Cole Palmer has an aura about him, whether he is on the football pitch, carrying out media duties or simply going about his day-to-day life. The attacking midfielder is arguably Chelsea’s standout player and someone Xabi Alonso will be relying on heavily this season and for many years to come.
With Premier League predictions in full swing, we take a look at three predictions for Chelsea’s best player ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Leading assist king
Across the games against Fulham and Brighton, Palmer has already looked lively and influential in the attacking third, contributing to Chelsea’s first goal of the season with a clever round-the-corner flick. Morgan Rogers has also made a strong start, providing two assists and currently leading the league's chances-created charts with nine, compared to Palmer’s five.
My prediction, however, is that Palmer will find a level of consistency that has sometimes eluded him because of his injury record. If he can stay fit, I expect him to establish himself as the Premier League’s assist king. I am not expecting him to match Bruno Fernandes’ assist tally from last season, but I can see Palmer running him close and potentially finishing the campaign with more assists than goals.
Interestingly, I expect the opposite from Morgan Rogers in his first full season at Stamford Bridge, with the winger finishing with more goals than assists.
International call-up
Missing out on England’s World Cup squad could provide Palmer with even greater motivation to improve his form and deliver consistently for Chelsea, while also strengthening his case for a regular place in Thomas Tuchel’s plans ahead of next summer’s Euros.
With no major retirements expected within the squad, Palmer will face strong competition for a place, but his versatility and attacking quality would no doubt see him push Noni Madueke or one of the strikers out of the picture if he can maintain his best form throughout the season.
Big money bid from abroad
While Palmer may be settled in west London, an outstanding season in blue is likely to put Europe’s biggest clubs on high alert. I predict Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid could test Chelsea’s resolve with a bid north of £125 million for the England international. Whether the Blues would even consider accepting such an offer, however, is another matter entirely.
Of the three, Real Madrid could be the most likely destination. There remains a potential vacancy on the right side of their attack, with Yan Diomande yet to establish himself in the position and Rodrygo potentially heading for the exit. Palmer’s versatility, creativity and ability to operate from the right could make him an ideal fit for Jose Mourinho’s side.
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