Emmanuel Petit Hails Chelsea Star Cole Palmer as Premier League’s Best and a Future Ballon d’Or Contender
Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has praised Chelsea’s rising star Cole Palmer, labeling him the best player in the Premier League. Petit also expressed confidence that Palmer has the potential to one day win the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
Palmer’s exceptional performances have been instrumental in Chelsea’s unexpected title challenge this season.
The Blues’ campaign gained momentum last week with a thrilling comeback victory against Tottenham, where Palmer’s contributions stood out.
The 21-year-old England international showcased his composure by converting two second-half penalties, including a bold Panenka, bringing his season tally to 11 goals.
Petit’s High Praise for Palmer
“He can change the game any time he wants. Every time he gets the ball, you feel he can have an immediate impact on the result.”
Petit emphasized the influence Palmer has on his teammates and opponents alike, adding;
“You can see that when he gets the ball, all his teammates want to play with him, creating movement around him. At the same time, you can feel the stress in the opposition every time he’s in possession.”
Drawing comparisons to football legends, Petit likened Palmer’s game-changing ability to that of Rivaldo and Zinedine Zidane.
“When I played with Rivaldo at Barcelona and Zidane for France, every time we gave them the ball, it changed the dynamic of the game. Palmer brings that same confidence to his teammates.”
A Future Ballon d’Or Contender?
While Petit is optimistic about Palmer’s potential, he highlighted the stiff competition for the Ballon d’Or, mentioning other young stars like Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappé.
Petit remarked;
“Palmer needs to consistently show his abilities at the highest level, which includes the Champions League and international tournaments.
He’s been performing well for over a year now, but maintaining that level is key.”
The Road Ahead for Palmer
With his current form and undeniable talent, Palmer is making a strong case for being one of the most exciting players in European football.
As Chelsea continues their quest for silverware, Palmer’s influence could be the driving force behind their success, and his journey to football’s pinnacle looks increasingly promising.
