Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was not too impressed by the club’s recent triumph in the Club World Cup, however did pick out one player for praise.
The Blues were crowned world champions after their superb campaign in the United States, capped off with a dominant victory in the final over Champions League holders PSG.
The latter stages of the Club World Cup saw Joao Pedro announce himself as a serious addition for the Blues. The Brazilian scored three goals in just two starts for his new club.
With a very strong defensive performance to go alongside their new man finding the net, one player’s impact on the big game cannot be underplayed.
Jose Mourinho praises Chelsea star Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer was simply brilliant, with Robert Sanchez labelling the Blues man as ‘the best in the world’ at the conclusion of the final.
Palmer was named in the Team of the Tournament, and picked up the Golden Ball award to put the cherry on top of a sensational summer.
Mourinho told A Bola that the attacker’s performances were the only real positive that came from their Club World Cup success, as well as being able to sell jerseys with their new winner’s badge.
He said: “Okay, this Club World Cup also highlighted a kid who also had a great season at Chelsea , Cole Palmer. But this run to the semi-finals reminded me every time I went to the US for pre-season with Real Madrid, with Inter; it reminded me of those games we played there. So, I think this World Cup title is only important for Chelsea, as they’ll sell a lot of jerseys with the logo there.”
Palmer’s position could change if Blues get signing over the line
Despite already adding plenty of attackers to their ranks, the Blues are keen on bringing Xavi Simons in before the 2025/26 campaign gets underway.
While the Dutchman has featured on the left of attack, he can also play centrally, a position that is normally picked up by Palmer.
This could see Palmer shift to the right of attack, a position where he featured predominantly during Mauricio Pochettino’s time in charge.
This saw easily his most prolific campaign in terms of numbers in front of goal. The England international provided 33 goals and assists in as many appearances in the Premier League
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