Cole Palmer addresses Gianfranco Zola comparisons in message over Chelsea pressure

Evening Standard

·27 October 2024

Cole Palmer addresses Gianfranco Zola comparisons in message over Chelsea pressure

England star dazzled once again against Newcastle as Blues icon watched on at Stamford Bridge

Cole Palmer insists he is not putting pressure on himself to replicate last season’s remarkable breakthrough campaign, despite continuing his phenomenal form in Sunday’s victory over Newcastle.

OneFootball Videos

Palmer scored the winning goal as Chelsea beat the Magpies 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, having already played a hand in Nicolas Jackson’s opener with a stunning pass to Pedro Neto.

Last term, after signing from Manchester City, Palmer managed 22 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League en route to winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

This season already the 22-year-old has seven goals and five assists in just nine league games, but he says he is not worried about chasing down last year’s hauls.

“I always try to enjoy my football game by game,” he told Sky Sports. “I try to not put pressure on myself.

“Many people on the outside try to put pressure on me to replicate what I did last season in terms of numbers. It is my second season playing football and I am still very, very young.”

The Englishman’s latest masterclass was watched by former Chelsea great Gianfranco Zola, who was pitchside at Stamford Bridge ahead of kick-off.

Palmer has been likened to the Italian magician but asked about those comparisons, he unsurprisingly admitted that he could not remember Zola’s heyday.

“I know he is an icon on Fifa so he must have been good!” Palmer said. “To be honest I didn’t really watch him play. Everyone says he was a great player, so thank you.”

On those comparisons, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said: "This is exactly what I was telling to you. I don't think Cole knows Gianfranco [laughs]. But they are, to be honest, quite similar in terms of quality. I'm from Italy, so I know Gianfranco quite well.

“I don't think we can compare both. The only thing I can say, Gianfranco was and Cole is still a quality player."

View publisher imprint