Chelsea’s Cole Palmer does have some similarities in his game with Mesut Ozil.
That is according to talkSPORT pundit Andy Townsend.
Cole Palmer, 21, has been the shining light in Chelsea’s season so far.
The young attacking midfielder already has 12 goals and nine assists in 28 Blues appearances, so it’s hard to believe it’s his debut year at Stamford Bridge.
Now, there’s been a comparison to him and a German icon.
Mesut Ozil, who retired from football last year, had a special career in the sport. This includes success at club level with the likes of Real Madrid and Arsenal, plus he won the World Cup with Germany.
It’s very interesting to hear Chelsea’s rising star Palmer compared to Ozil. If the Blues talent can emulate half of his success, he’ll enjoy a brilliant career.
“I do like him. I think he would be well suited to international football in some ways,” Townsend told talkSPORT.
“He’s one of those younger players that’s prepared to take that extra touch in a tighter area and yet still produce a pass. I like the way he drifts anywhere across the line.
“Remember Mesut Ozil when he was at his best, he sort of drifts very casually into areas and glides into areas.
“Cole Palmer is a little like that. He’s got that real nice appreciation of the ball when it’s at his feet.”
Cole Palmer compared Mesut Ozil
Ozil was a magical footballer in his peak, with a wand of a left foot and such a high in-game IQ. We do understand the comparison to Chelsea’s young rising star.
Let’s remember we’re still in the very infancy of Palmer’s career, but the signs are there that he’s already got such a great understanding of the game with his movement and decision-making. He’s picking up so many clever positions on the pitch without ever appearing to sprint.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast this week, Gary Lineker hailed Palmer as a “special talent”.
Chelsea fans are just fortunate the club managed to snap him up from Manchester City last summer.
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