Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola shares what he said to Cole Palmer after watching him play at Stamford Bridge

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A lot of talk around Chelsea this season has again revolved around one of the best signings made in recent Premier League history.

Cole Palmer has picked up exactly where he left off from last season and has easily been the standout player for the Blues so far this season.

Chelsea are currently sweating on Palmer’s fitness after a horror tackle from Lisandro Martinez late in their last game against Manchester United.

• READ MORE: Dermot Gallagher shares if he thinks Lisandro Martinez should have been sent off for foul on Cole Palmer

Enzo Maresca would have a serious issue to solve if he did turn out to be injured though, especially with their next game being against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

One of the England international’s better performances this season came against Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Gianfranco Zola amazed by Cole Palmer

While scoring the winning goal, more of the attention came from his part in the opener that was scored by Nicolas Jackson.

His pass to Pedro Neto was out of this world, and impressed Gianfranco Zola who was in attendance that day.

Zola has told TalkSPORT that he told Palmer after that game just how impressed he was by the pass, and the way he plays in general.

He said (05/11 9:10am): “I was talking about that pass with him a few days ago. We did a feature together. And I was very impressed with the boy.

“Honestly. I was just talking about the pass that what impressed me that normally when you play that pass, you put the ball over the head of the defender. This boy is so charming that he put the ball exactly in the inside, and that is a great vision.

“These things cannot be taught because it’s about reaction time, about understanding one second before what’s going to happen, and this boy has got a lot of this. He is doing marvel things, very impressed. I think everybody is impressed.”

Palmer injury worry could be chance for Joao Felix

Palmer’s brilliance has made Joao Felix’s second spell at the club a difficult one so far. He is yet to start a Premier League game since returning.

Felix is the best replacement for Palmer if he is injured for their next game, and will likely be taking part in his audition on Thursday night against Noah in the Conference League.

The Portugal international will have a point to prove, with him recieving some criticism for the part he has played since returning to Stamford Bridge.