While Palmer is often celebrated for his individual brilliance and game-winning moments, Rosenior was particularly impressed by the 23-year-old’s commitment to the dirty work of the game. The Blues boss noted that both Palmer and Joao Pedro set the tone for the rest of the team through their defensive contributions, even when the scoreline suggested they could afford to relax.
When asked how Palmer had reacted to being told he was captain against Port Vale, Rosenior replied: "Cole is happy about it. Cole is a player in big moments who can win you games. But if you watch the game today with Cole or with Joao, they are tracking back, they are chasing back into their own box. Pedro was making tackles in his own box. You have to go back to basics. I felt the players in terms of the fundamentals of the game today were very, very good and Cole led by example."