Chelsea striker Cole Palmer disregarded comparisons with Gianfranco Zola after his newest aim and standout efficiency in a 2-1 win over of Newcastle United on Sunday, saying he solely knew of the previous Blues and Italy nice by way of a online game.
“I do know he’s an icon on FIFA so he should have been good,” the 22 year-old Palmer advised Sky Sports activities.
“To be sincere I did not actually watch him play. Everybody says he was an important participant, so thanks.”
Palmer scored the winner for Chelsea in opposition to Newcastle within the forty seventh minute, selecting the ball up in midfield and racing to the sting of the field earlier than smashing a low shot previous Nick Pope for his seventh aim in 9 league video games this season.
His function within the opening aim was simply as spectacular, amassing the ball whereas dealing with his personal aim, turning and sending a defence-splitting go in a single motion that arrange Pedro Neto to supply a cross for Nicolas Jackson to attain.
Palmer arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summertime of 2023 and went on to attain 22 league objectives and supply 11 assists final season, incomes him a spot within the England squad for Euro 2024 the place he scored within the closing defeat by Spain.
These performances have drawn parallels with Zola who scored 80 objectives for Chelsea in all competitions.
The diminutive Italian attended Sunday’s sport and earlier than kick-off stated Palmer was “very particular” along with his capacity to know what he was going to do with the ball earlier than receiving it.
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca stated he understood why Palmer was being in contrast with Zola.
“They’re fairly comparable by way of high quality, by way of seeing issues that the remaining do not see,” stated Maresca who labored with Palmer as a younger participant at Manchester Metropolis the place he was a part of the teaching staff, earlier than they each ended up at Chelsea.
“In the long run, the rationale why folks come to the stadium is to see a participant like him.”
Maresca additionally praised membership captain Reece James who made a number of key clearances in solely his second sport of the season, having returned from a long-term harm in final weekend’s 2-1 defeat by Liverpool.
The Italian coach stated final week that he wished to see extra management from James.
“I actually love him, I actually like Reece,” Maresca stated on Sunday. “On the pitch he’s a prime participant.”
