Ben Foster has made a pretty bold claim about how good Cole Palmer has been during his debut season as a Chelsea player.
Chelsea signed Cole Palmer last summer in a deal worth around £40m (Sky Sports) from Manchester City. If you look at that signing now, it’s an absolute bargain.
The 22-year-old attacker, who’s nominated for both the Premier League Player of the Season and Premier League Young Player of the Season, is starting to earn recognition for a special year. It’s no surprise that he took home both of the main individual prizes at Chelsea’s club awards night this week.
He’s scored 24 goals and made 13 assists for the Blues, with three matches in the season still to play.
Ben Foster makes Cole Palmer claim
Ben Foster has gone all out during his praise of Palmer by claiming it’s the best breakthrough campaign from an English youngster that he’s ever seen.
It’s quite the compliment for the breakout star. Can you think of any better, though?
“I’m going to go out and say it. I think this might be the most impressive breakthrough season from a young English player ever,” Foster said via the Premier League’s official YouTube channel.
“I’ve been so impressed with him this year.
“His energy levels are up there with the best I’ve seen, never stops running. His enthusiasm to want to get on the ball and manufacture something. He wants to drag his team up the pitch.
“You’re talking about a 22-year-old lad here. He’s the one leading that team. He’s the guy in charge of taking the penalties, that responsibility is on him already. I love it.
“He’s the player that gets fans in the stadium. He’s the player that gets them off the seats.”
Wayne Rooney’s breakthrough as a teenager in the 2002/03 season had everyone in the country talking, but the future legend would finish that first year with six league goals. Our vote for breakthrough year goes to Palmer.
Next goal target
No Chelsea player has scored 25+ plus goals in a single season since the 2009/10 campaign, with Didier Drogba (37) and Frank Lampard (27) both achieving that feat in the title-winning year.
So, will Palmer net 25+ goals as a Chelsea player in his first attempt?
He’s got matches versus Nottingham Forest (away), Brighton (away) and Bournemouth to finish.
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