Joe Cole questioned whether Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri could cope with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka in the European Championship final.
Speaking on JOE’s YouTube channel, Cole had concerns over the potential match-up between the Premier League pair on Sunday.
England host Italy at Wembley this weekend, with so much expectation and excitement building from either nation.
Emerson vs Saka
There should be intriguing battles all over the park, but none more so down the Italian’s left-flank.
Emerson only recently came back into the side, following the unfortunate injury to Leonardo Spinazzola in the round of 16-win clash with Belgium.
Chelsea’s left-back could well come face-to-face with Saka, who has forced his way into Gareth Southgate’s team.
The teenager started against Germany and Denmark in the knock-out stage, only missing out on the Ukraine victory due to a minor problem.
Arsenal’s exciting attacker is set to be involved again from the off for England, which Cole said could spell trouble for Emerson.
“I think Saka will give Emerson so much problems,” said the former Chelsea wide-man.
“Emerson is a good player, but he has not played all year. He has come into the tournament.
“I think Saka will run at him and twist and turn him off that right side.”
Palmieri rarely plays
It is true Emerson hardly kicked a football leading up the Euros.
Last season, the 26-year-old made just 15 appearances across all competitions, the last of which arriving in April.
Saka on the other hand was a regular throughout Arsenal’s campaign, playing 46 times and directly contributing 17 goals.
Even if Southgate doesn’t select the Gunners youngster, he can still call upon a variety of creative talent to give Emerson a headache.
Pick one of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish, or Phil Foden; they aren’t half bad options.
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