Gianfranco Zola Lauds Cole Palmer as Future Ballon D’Or Contender After Chelsea’s Triumph Over Newcastle
A Rising Star Emerges.
In an exciting endorsement for Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, club legend Gianfranco Zola has praised the young Englishman’s footballing acumen, suggesting he possesses the potential to become a future Ballon D’Or winner. Zola’s comments come on the heels of Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca drawing comparisons between Palmer and the iconic Italian playmaker after a standout performance against Newcastle United.
Zola, who is celebrated as one of Chelsea’s greatest players, was present at Stamford Bridge to witness Palmer score his seventh goal of the season, reinforcing his status as a key player for the team. Palmer had previously showcased his scoring prowess with a sensational four-goal performance against Brighton, but it was his playmaking ability that particularly caught Zola’s eye.
“The pass he made to Neto for the first goal was nothing short of brilliant,” Zola remarked. “I see many attributes in his game that echo my own experiences on the pitch. The ability to anticipate the play before receiving the ball is a vital skill he is mastering.”
Zola emphasized that Palmer’s foresight sets him apart from many players, noting, “Most players wait until they have the ball to decide what to do. But if you can pre-emptively strategize your next move, you’re already one step ahead of the opposition. I was genuinely impressed with him.”
Palmer’s impressive resume includes 22 goals in the Premier League last season and a crucial contribution off the bench in the Euro 2024 final, earning him a spot on the prestigious Ballon D’Or shortlist. Zola is confident that if Palmer continues his remarkable development since joining Chelsea from Manchester City for £42.5 million, he could indeed vie for the award.
“Of course, he has room to grow,” Zola continued. “At such a young age, there are always aspects he can refine. Improving his physique will help; he can become a bit quicker and more robust in one-on-one situations. His mind is already lightning-fast, but enhancing his physical capabilities will be crucial. I’ve seen significant progress since his initial days at Chelsea, and if he keeps this up, the sky’s the limit.”
He added, “With a fantastic coach like Maresca guiding him, I’m confident Palmer will continue to develop.”
After a turbulent period, Maresca has instilled a sense of calm at Chelsea, leading the team to fifth in the Premier League and positioning them as favorites for the Europa Conference League. Zola noted, “There’s a clear strategy in place— the players know their roles. While there’s still room for improvement defensively, I see positive developments, and it’s evident that the team is thriving in training.”
As Chelsea moves forward, all eyes will be on Cole Palmer as he aims to live up to Zola’s high expectations and potentially claim football’s most coveted individual honor.
