Mauricio Pochettino was left blown away by one Chelsea player after last night’s massive win over Middlesbrough.
Cole Palmer, not for the first time this season, collected a man of the match award after his performance.
The Blues booked their spot in the Carabao Cup final after blowing Middlesbrough away by a 6-2 aggregate victory.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side were beaten 1-0 in the first leg, but they turned on the style yesterday at Stamford Bridge to thrash Championship side Boro by a 6-1 scoreline.
Now, Chelsea can look forward to a League Cup final at Wembley Stadium in February versus either Fulham or Liverpool.
Chelsea head coach Pochettino singled out Palmer for special praise in his post-match interview.
The 21-year-old attacker scored a goal in each half to continue his superb debut season at the Bridge.
“He is a player with an amazing talent. It is a player that understands the game. He has the quality and the talent to see the situation and to read the game in another aspect,” Pochettino told Sky Sports’ Main Event channel (10:12pm, 23 January).
“He can play from the right, striker or in behind the striker. We try to give him freedom because in this type of game he can find the best position to help the team.
“For me, [the best part] is when he presses and then the intuition to get the ball back. He is still young but he is doing fantastic for us.”
Cole Palmer impresses against Middlesbrough
Palmer had a rare off-night in the first leg versus Boro, so we’re not surprised he managed to respond last night.
The creative attacker, who looked a natural in the No 10 position, is such a key player in this team.
He’s now scored 11 goals and made seven assists in 23 Chelsea appearances.
Speaking on commentary for Sky Sports yesterday, Gary Neville said Palmer was the best player on the pitch in Chelsea’s home victory against Boro.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
