Jamie Carragher has called Cole Palmer a ‘very special player’ and believes the midfielder has already achieved more than Gianfranco Zola at Chelsea.
Palmer inspired a Chelsea comeback from two goals down to win 4-3 at Tottenham on Sunday, a result that moves the Blues within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The 22-year-old has been exceptional since signing for Chelsea and has now provided more Premier League goals and assists in a calendar year than any player in the club’s history. His second spot-kick – an audacious Panenka – also means Palmer holds the record for most Premier League penalties scored without a miss.
Palmer has produced a catalogue of brilliant moments in West London and Carragher believes his performances have already exceeded those of Chelsea icon Gianfranco Zola.
“He gets the penalties and he is involved in the Enzo Fernandez goal as well. People fear when he has the ball,” the ex-Liverpool defender said to Sky Sports.
“He hasn’t been playing for the best team. When you look at Chelsea over the years, you look at flair players you look at Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard. He has probably done more than Zola already in his 18 months at the club.
“He is going to go down as one of the biggest players for Chelsea if he keeps doing what he is doing. He is a very special player, and that’s not just in the Premier League it is in Europe and world football as well.”
Carragher was also asked whether Chelsea’s title challenge was genuine, with Enzo Maresca admitting his inexperienced side are ahead of schedule. However, he believes Chelsea lack the ‘big figures’ needed defensively to sustain their challenge.
“It is real because it is,” he said.
“But I look at the goalkeeper and the centre-backs and I am not sure. You look at City winning it with Ederson and Dias and then Liverpool with Van Dijk and Alisson. Going further back with Cech and Terry.
“I think you need those big figures in goal and in defence to be title winners.”
Read – Cole Palmer breaks Premier League penalty record in Chelsea win
See more – Spurs collapse to Chelsea ‘painful’ for Postecoglou
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