Cole Palmer’s Rise at Chelsea
Ahead of Chelsea’s visit to Leicester City, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, Pete Sharland delves into Cole Palmer’s impressive early career at Stamford Bridge. Following in the footsteps of Chelsea legends Gianfranco Zola, Frank Lampard, and Eden Hazard, Palmer has become a vital source of goals for his team, despite not being a traditional striker. At Chelsea, this is far from unusual for a club known for its unconventional goalscorers.
A phrase in Spanish, “tiene gol” (translated as “has goal”), aptly describes players with a natural talent for scoring, an ability Palmer clearly possesses. The English language lacks a direct equivalent, but whether you call him a “natural goalscorer” or someone who “knows where the goal is,” one thing is clear: Cole Palmer has it in abundance.
A Gift for Goals
Palmer’s talent as a goalscorer defies traditional metrics. His record at Chelsea—32 goals in 57 games—includes finishing as the Premier League’s second top scorer last season with 22 goals, only five behind Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland. This season, he already has seven goals, ranking among the league’s top scorers. While some may note his reliance on penalties or scoring in bursts, Palmer’s contributions as a winger and No. 10 highlight his unique ability to find the net.
In the Footsteps of Lampard and Hazard
Palmer’s mentality mirrors that of Frank Lampard, Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer. Both thrive under pressure, stepping up in crucial moments, like Palmer’s winner in a thrilling 4-3 victory against Manchester United last season. Similarly, Palmer’s knack for timing runs and positioning evokes comparisons to Lampard’s remarkable ability to arrive in the perfect spot to score.
Eden Hazard’s influence is also evident in Palmer’s quick-thinking and creativity. While Hazard dazzled with his dribbling, Palmer matches his intelligence on the pitch, making split-second decisions that leave defenders stunned.
A Legacy of Unique Scorers
Chelsea’s history is rich with unconventional scorers, from Zola to Lampard to Hazard, and now Palmer. Like Zola, Palmer combines flair and determination, embodying a winning spirit that drives the team forward. At just over a year into his Chelsea career, Palmer has already cemented himself as a central figure, guiding the club through pivotal moments and promising a bright future.
