Chelsea’s turn in fortunes in the last six months or so seems to mostly be down to one player in particular.
Cole Palmer has enjoyed a rapid rise to be one of the better players in world football, nominated for the Ballon d’Or in the process.
Pundits have been waxing lyrical about him this season already. Chris Sutton has gone as far to say that he prefers the Chelsea man to Erling Haaland.
Cole Palmer’s growth spurt transformed him
Chelsea will no doubt be counting their lucky stars that they were able to poach the attacker off the hands of Manchester City, whilst also tying him down to the long contract that they have.
According to a piece by The Athletic today, there were some at City who were not convinced by him from the age of around 16, with him at that stage cutting a very slight frame.
However, the report goes on to say that it was a growth spurt in his late teenage years that helped completely transform his game, with it not taking long to become a crucial player for a top Premier League side.
His recent performances have seen comparisons to some of Chelsea’s best ever players, including Eden Hazard.
John Obi Mikel has warned Blues fans to be careful with this, saying he isn’t comfortable seeing Palmer being compared to the likes of Frank Lampard already.
Palmer to miss Conference League group stages
His importance to the side is clear to see though, even with the extraordinary depth they currently have in attacking positions.
He will not be in action tonight though in the Conference League tonight against Gent, with him being left out of the squad for the group stages to protect him from injury.
This will likely give Joao Felix an opportunity to start, with him up to now being forced to wait patiently for his minutes since rejoining the club.
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