Tim Sherwood claims Chelsea player is now starting to become ‘world-class’

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While the current crop of Chelsea players doesn’t include superstar names like memorable teams of the past, Tim Sherwood thinks there’s a jewel in the crown who’s destined for the top.

Fans of a certain age got to enjoy a golden age of Chelsea history at the start of the 21st century, especially when Jose Mourinho was at the helm.

Now, it’s a young Blues squad at Stamford Bridge that is looking to build its own legacy, with several exciting talents central to that.

Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager, has started well during his opening few months in charge to get the team on an upwards trajectory. Incidentally, Gary Lineker is super impressed by Maresca’s start at Chelsea, which is a job that has been a poisoned chalice in recent years.

• READ MORE: Chelsea youngster Shumaira Mheuka shares what it’s like being with Enzo Maresca’s first team

Tim Sherwood reckons Cole Palmer is well on his way to becoming world-class

It’s pretty obvious to Chelsea watchers that Cole Palmer, 22, is the talisman for this Chelsea side.

Tim Sherwood agrees that the Blues attacking midfielder is a special individual. In fact, he believes that the England international is already on the path to “world-class” status.

When discussing Palmer on the Seaman Says podcast, Sherwood said: “It’s very difficult for Thomas Tuchel the England manager now to pick between this group of players. He’s got so many number 10s. For me, he’s (Palmer) the pick of all of them.

“He is becoming world-class. He’s got the quality to be world-class. He needs to do it on a more consistent basis. I think he will do that.”

Chelsea fans raged Palmer finished 25th in the Ballon d’Or during this week’s individual awards, but it says something that he’s already recognised on a shortlist of the world’s very best players.

How can Cole Palmer become world-class?

Palmer’s stunning 2023/24 season in Chelsea colours last year was as good as it gets for a youngster at a new club.

If the English playmaker wants to be universally recognised as world-class, the key is longevity. Therefore, it’s just a matter of time and consistency.

Ally McCoist doesn’t think Chelsea’s Palmer is world-class yet, but he’s got a similar belief that the goalscoring machine just needs time to expand his CV.

As you can see above, Palmer is still three games short from 100 first-team club appearances in football. It just puts into perspective that he’s still in the early stages of his senior career, so all the accolades will follow him if he lives up to his potential.