England manager Gareth Southgate has been discussing Chelsea star Cole Palmer.
Gareth Southgate has overlooked Cole Palmer for most of Euro 2024 so far, handing him just two appearances from off the bench.
However, the Three Lions boss has made it clear that he remains a fan of the player.
Statistically, there was not a better attacker in the Premier League than Palmer last season. He produced 33 goal contributions, more than any other player.
Nevertheless, Southgate has still preferred Bukayo Saka over him because of the Arsenal man’s pace and experience.
Gareth Southgate on Cole Palmer
While Palmer may not be an England starter, Southgate still likes his qualities and seems to have no problem with bringing him off from the bench because of those qualities.
“There’s that uninhibited style that he brings,” the 53-year-old was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.
“He can throw people off balance. He can open things up.
“Of course when you come on as the opposition are tiring, there’s a different picture so the job that the guys are doing at the start, is also important.”
Cole Palmer’s creativity
Palmer certainly is a player who can open things up.
He recorded 15 assists for Chelsea last season in all competitions and has ranked in the 92nd percentile for shot-creating actions among attacking midfielders and wingers over the last year (FBref).
The 22-year-old is an attacker who makes things happen, and while Southgate may not fully appreciate that just yet, you would expect Enzo Maresca to at Chelsea.
Palmer is surely going to be one of the first names on the Italian’s team sheet after the campaign he has just had.
It will now be interesting to see where Palmer plays under Maresca, with the former Manchester City man able to start on the right or as a No.10.
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