Cesc Fabregas has just waxed lyrical about a Chelsea first-team player who really surprised him with his performances last season.
Chelsea were certainly hit and miss during a rocky 2023/24 campaign last year, but there were several individuals that still managed to impress and enhance their reputations.
Enzo Maresca will be hoping to exaggerate the positives in his first year as the Blues head coach. During his first interview this summer via Chelsea’s official website, Maresca insisted Chelsea already has a talented squad.
Cesc Fabregas amazed by Cole Palmer
Cesc Fabregas, the former Chelsea star, has delivered a glowing verdict on Cole Palmer for what he did at Stamford Bridge last season. In particular, he highlighted his shock at how well the youngster did after leaving Manchester City.
The 22-year-old attacker was remarkable during his debut campaign with the Blues, scoring 25 goals and making 15 assists for them across all competitions.
Speaking on the BBC’s podcast Planet Premier League, Fabregas said: “I think Cole Palmer had an outstanding season. Great personality and great quality. In a difficult moment, he stood up so many times to make things happen for Chelsea when nobody really believed. He was always the one who was different.
“It was a big surprise for me because obviously at Manchester City he didn’t have the chance… I would love to hit the jackpot in one or two players like that.”
Pressure in his second season
There’s no doubt that Palmer is going into the new season under a different kind of pressure, but he seems like the type of calm personality that can deal with it.
The England international should be buoyed by signing a two-year extension to his Chelsea contract this week. It’s been claimed by The Telegraph that Palmer’s new wages are now equal to Enzo Fernandez.
Hopefully, Palmer can hit double digits again this campaign for goals and assists. Let’s wait and see whether new boss Maresca prefers him attacking from the right wing or central positions, though.
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