Pundit reveals Chelsea ace Cole Palmer reminds him of Lionel Messi

Palmer has been one of the best signings of Chelsea.

Joe Cole has likened Cole Palmer to Lionel Messi after he scored Chelsea’s opening goal against Bournemouth on Tuesday. It helped Palmer tie an Eden Hazard milestone.

Palmer scored a wonderful goal in the 12th minute to put Chelsea ahead at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night. He thus became the first Blues player who directly contributed to at least 20 goals in consecutive Premier League seasons since Eden Hazard (2013–14 and 2014–15).

Palmer was also the second top scorer in the Premier League last season, which was his initial campaign under the West Londoners as the forward quickly became an instant hit signing for the Blues.

Ever since Palmer’s performance has received plenty of praise, the player’s display on the pitch has seen him being compared to many top players. But this time the England international was likened to Lionel Messi.

Cole, a Chelsea icon and TNT Sports commentator, stated of Palmer before halftime:

“He reminds me of Messi…I wouldn’t want to put that pressure on him!”

Joe Cole sees glimpses of Lionel Messi in Cole Palmer 👀 pic.twitter.com/H4bUCpWK9M

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 15, 2025

When Chelsea paid £42.5 million to recruit Palmer from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, many people were surprised, but he now makes that cost seem like a steal. The 22-year-old recorded 40 goal contributions across all competitions during the previous campaign and has 14 goals and four assists in the Premier League so far this year.

His signing was met with mixed feedback but it didn’t take him time to show his calibre the previous term and now the forward is seen as one of the important stars for the Blues under new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Palmer made 41 appearances for City but only managed to score six goals and dish out two assists. Only 13 of those outings, though, were from a starting position.

Palmer’s Chelsea will play their next Premier League match against lowly Wolves on Monday, January 20, following this Bournemouth match.

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