Preview – Chelsea – Cole Palmer, the season of confirmation

“Cold”, “clinique”like his nickname “Cold Palmer”, Cole has clearly left his mark on the last Premier League season. Author of 22 goals and 11 assists in 34 league games, the English attacking midfielder has managed to pull through despite a struggling team, which has flirted with the second half of the standings for a long time.

Selected by Gareth Southgate during the last Euro, the versatile winger had to settle for a luxury substitute role, never having been in the starting line-up, despite his good form at club level and his notable appearances. The native of Wythenshawe (south of Manchester) was nevertheless rewarded by scoring the equaliser in the final of the competition against Spain, who ultimately won in the end.

But as the new Premier League season dawns, Palmer knows it better than anyone: he will have to confirm.

Especially since the Blues made official a few days ago his extension until June 2033, accompanied by a revaluation of his contract, going from 80,000 pounds sterling per week to 130,000 now. A great mark of confidence for the 22-year-old Englishman, who embodies the face of the new Chelsea: “I am very proud to sign this new contract. I have achieved many great things in my first season here and I hope to continue to experience great things with this club, both on a personal level and in terms of success and trophies at Chelsea.”

Expected reunion with Maresca

COLUMBUS, OHIO – AUGUST 03: Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea talks to Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City after the Pre-Season Friendly match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City at Ohio Stadium on August 03, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

While Enzo Maresca had just been officially announced as Chelsea’s manager at the beginning of June, Cole Palmer did not hide his joy at finding a coach he knew at Manchester City. The two men had rubbed shoulders at the youth level, then in the first team when the Italian coach was appointed assistant to Pep Guardiola.

For the English attacking midfielder, his former coach has truly changed his career: “It was Enzo who put me on the right. Since I was 18 I played as number 10 and when I arrived with the U23s, Enzo made me play on the right. It was my first full season on the right side. He is a good coach, a very good coach. I think tactically he knows what he is doing. He will help a lot of players progress,” he explained to the Telegraph several weeks ago.

Positioned behind the striker last season with Mauricio Pochettino, Palmer could find himself back on the right wing of the attack this season, as he did when he came on on August 11 against Inter Milan in a friendly match.

After a very good 2023-2024 season, and a Euro which allowed the player to shine on the international scene despite limited playing time, Cole Palmer will indeed be one of the players to follow very closely this season.