November 27th 2024.
Cole Palmer has had a fantastic start to the season with Chelsea, continuing his impressive form from last year where he was awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year. In the first 12 games of the Premier League, he has already scored seven goals and provided five assists, making him a key player for the team. This weekend, Chelsea will face Aston Villa in what is expected to be an exciting match at Stamford Bridge. However, Palmer will not be playing in their Europa Conference League game against Heidenheim as he has been left out of the squad to rest and prepare for Sunday's game.
Before the match, Palmer met with former Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola at Cobham to film a 'Masterclass' video for the Premier League's official YouTube channel. As they exchanged passes and watched back memorable goals from their careers, Palmer opened up to Zola about his upbringing and how it played a pivotal role in his development as a player. He fondly recalled playing football in the park with his father and friends, trying out different skills and simply having fun. Being the smallest player, he had to rely on his skills and quick thinking, which has now helped him catch up to his taller opponents.
Maresca, the assistant coach at Chelsea, has been a mentor to Palmer and often has to remind him to not overtrain as he is always eager to improve his game. Palmer admitted that he would stay on the training pitch all day if Maresca allowed him to, but the coach knows the importance of rest and recovery. This drive and determination has been a key factor in Palmer's success, and it has not gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaches.
However, Palmer's relentless efforts on the pitch have also led to him being sidelined with an injury, forcing him to withdraw from the England squad for the latest Nations League matches. This decision was met with criticism, with England captain Harry Kane accusing players of taking advantage of the situation. But Maresca chose to focus on the team's recent victory over Leicester and did not comment on Kane's statement, stating that it was not something he was thinking about. He also made it clear that neither he nor Chelsea had pressured Palmer into withdrawing from the squad.
Palmer's dedication and hard work have paid off, and he has become an integral part of the Chelsea team. His lightning-fast start to the season has been impressive, and he will continue to be a key player for the team as they aim for success in both domestic and European competitions. With Maresca's guidance and support, Palmer is set to reach even greater heights in his career.
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