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Former Chelsea player Joe Cole has dubbed Cole Palmer an "absolute genius" and stated that he could play an important role in helping England win Euro 2024.
The 21-year-old has been sensational since his move to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City. Palmer has been the saving grace for the Blues in their otherwise forgetful season. He has scored 20 goals this season, including two hat-tricks.
While the Englishman missed out on international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, Joe Cole believes Palmer could make a massive impact if included in the England squad.
Cole stated (via PA news agency):
"You have to bring a player of that quality. The technicians are what are going to win us the tournament. They all have to go and they all have to have time on the pitch. Palmer is a top player. I have watched him play, and he is a top, top player."
Chelsea are currently ninth on the Premier League table and miles away from a Champions League spot. While netting goals for the Blues has been a rather uphill task ever since Mauricio Pochettino took over, the team ran past Everton's defense in their last PL game, scoring six goals.
Nicholas Jackson and Alfie Gilchrist chipped in with a goal each, but the highlight was Palmer's perfect hat-trick, which included an audacious lob over his England teammate Jordan Pickford.
There was, however, an unsavory moment on the pitch after a penalty was awarded to Chelsea. Jackson, Palmer, and Noni Madueke argued over who should take the spot-kick.
Interestingly, Joe Cole believes Palmer's refusal to hand over the ball to squabbling teammates showed his mentality.
An argument over a sport-kick left Chelsea gaffer Pochettino red-faced
While Palmer ultimately took the penalty, taking his goal tally for the night to four goals, gaffer Pochettino said he wouldn't accept such kind of behaviour from his team, further adding (via The Athletic):
"For me, it is a shame. We cannot behave in this way."
However, Joe Cole, while sharing his two cents on the matter, claimed Palmer's ability to back himself to go anywhere on the pitch and take the ball impressed him. He further said:
"Sometimes people can look at that with disdain, saying it’s arrogance. It’s not arrogance. We need it and we need more players like that."
With four goals against the Toffees, the 21-year-old stands next to Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland atop the Premier League Golden Boot race.
It remains to be seen how Palmer performs against his former club when Chelsea take on City in their FA Cup semi-final clash on Saturday.
