For all of the criticism that Chelsea’s sporting directors receive, they have managed to put together a really strong attack.
Since being handed positions at Stamford Bridge, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley have brought in the likes of Cole Palmer, Estevao Willian and Pedro Neto.
Palmer has missed most of the season so far because of injury, but Estevao and Neto have shone in this campaign.
Finish this sentence: Enzo Maresca should start ______ on the right wing vs Arsenal
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Estevao scored a spectacular goal against Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday, but he is not Gianfranco Zola’s favourite player just yet.
Cole Palmer and Gianfranco Zola pose at the PFA Awards 2024 - Backstage
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Gianfranco Zola names Cole Palmer as his favourite player
Despite his lack of action this term, Palmer is still the footballer Zola admires most at this moment in time.
When asked to name his favourite player right now, Zola told Sky Sports: “Here in England? Cole Palmer is one of my favourites. I really like him as a player, also I came across with him a couple of times and I enjoyed the person as well.
“I like very much that part of him, this unpredictability, if I can I say that, that he’s got on the pitch. He’s a free spirit.”
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The attacking midfielder was absent for Chelsea’s victory over Barcelona, but some good news has emerged ahead of Sunday’s London derby against Arsenal.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, Palmer is expected to make the bench in a huge boost to Enzo Maresca.
Even if the 23-year-old is not fit enough to play, though, Zola is one person who is likely to back his old side to still get a result.
Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola holding microphone
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Gianfranco Zola thinks Chelsea can still be competitive without Cole Palmer
Before Chelsea’s win against Barcelona, Zola was already confident that Maresca’s side could compete at the very top without Palmer.
As Zola discussed Palmer’s absence, he said: “He is a huge miss. We know that Cole is such an influential player for the team.
“But the squad Chelsea have got, they are very competitive. They have young players coming through — Estevao is one of those — so they have the resources to be competitive without Cole.”
Thanks to Estevao and Pedro, Chelsea have been able to survive without their talisman, while Joao Pedro and Alejandro Garnacho have also done their part.
For example, in Chelsea’s 3-0 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers before the international break, Pedro scored one goal and Garnacho registered two assists.
Nevertheless, you still want Palmer in your team. His return will be truly celebrated, as the England star is an exceptional footballer who makes this Chelsea side even better.
Taking on Arsenal, who may just be the most in-form team in Europe, the Conference League holders are going to need him.