Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has compared forward Cole Palmer‘s influence on the team to that of Premier League top scorer Mohamed Salah‘s on Liverpool.
Palmer joined the west London club from Manchester City in September 2023 and has been their standout performer since, scoring 22 league goals last term under Mauricio Pochettino and adding 14 more to that tally this season, along with six assists.
Salah, meanwhile, sits atop the league’s scoring chart this campaign having contributed 18 goals and 13 assists to help Arne Slot’s Liverpool establish a six-point gap at the top of the league with a game in hand.
Maresca said, however, that it was not just Palmer’s efficiency in the final third that make comparisons to the Egypt international pertinent, but his willingness to compete in challenging situations.
“He [Palmer] is improving a lot but not just in terms of numbers of goals and assists,” Maresca said in his news conference on Friday. “The second half against Wolves for me was one of the best moments since I arrived here. He was showing personality, he was asking for the ball in any moment that the team needed it.
“Liverpool when they have some [tough] moments, Salah is asking for the ball. Arsenal when they have some problem, [Martin] Ødegaard is asking for the ball.
“We need that kind of player when we are in some difficult moments, who is turning to his teammates and saying: ‘Give me the ball, don’t worry, I will be in charge.’
“This kind of personality that we have to show in a difficult moments. Against Wolves in the second half he was top.”
Chelsea take on City at Etihad Stadium on Saturday in a rematch of both teams’ opening game of the season — a game that Pep Guardiola’s team won 2-0 — and Maresca said that despite Palmer’s irrepressible form since moving to the capital, his former club will have few regrets.
“Having so many options there I think it was difficult for Pep to give Cole minutes,” Maresca said.
“No one at City was thinking that Cole was not good enough. Everyone was sure that he is a top player.
“The problem was that if Cole played then Phil Foden has not to play, or [Kevin] De Bruyne. It’s a matter of balance and a matter of decisions.”
Chelsea head into the clash in fourth place in the Premier League, two points ahead of City in fifth.
Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca: Cole Palmer is our Mohamed Salah
In a recent interview, Chelsea assistant coach Enzo Maresca made a bold comparison between Manchester City’s young talent Cole Palmer and Liverpool’s star forward Mohamed Salah. Maresca praised Palmer’s skill, creativity, and ability to change games, likening him to Salah in terms of his impact on the pitch.
Maresca emphasized Palmer’s versatility and intelligence on the field, highlighting his ability to play in multiple positions and make crucial decisions in high-pressure situations. He also noted Palmer’s work ethic and dedication to improving his game, drawing parallels to Salah’s relentless drive and determination to succeed.
With Manchester City currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table, Palmer’s standout performances have not gone unnoticed by fans and pundits alike. As he continues to impress with his goal-scoring prowess and playmaking abilities, it’s clear that the young midfielder is on track to reach the same heights as Salah.
As Chelsea prepares to face Manchester City in the upcoming weeks, all eyes will be on Palmer as he looks to make a name for himself on the biggest stage. If he can continue to deliver outstanding performances like Salah, there’s no doubt that he will become a key player for his team and a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.
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