Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez both should have featured in Chelsea’s 7-0 thrashing of Port Vale on Saturday.
However, only Palmer played, with Chelsea handing Fernandez a two-game suspension.
It comes after the midfielder gave more than one interview where he flirted with the possibility of moving to Real Madrid in the summer.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea looks
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Cole Palmer ‘proud’ to wear armband at Chelsea
While Fernandez does not seem happy at Stamford Bridge right now, Palmer appears to be content.
The attacking midfielder captained Chelsea in their FA Cup quarter-final tie against Port Vale in the absence of Fernandez and Reece James. It was an honour that left him feeling very proud.
When asked how it felt leading the team out of the tunnel, Palmer told Chelsea’s official club website: “Long time coming. It was a proud moment being captain. I enjoyed it and it was a good afternoon.”
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Cole Palmer quotes on being captain.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
In terms of his actual performance on the pitch, Liam Rosenior was happy with Palmer’s contribution. The 23-year-old failed to score, but his manager was delighted with his work rate and how much he tracked back.
Rosenior will want to see a similar performance when Chelsea take on Manchester City next Sunday, but only this time with goals or assists.
Cole Palmer’s words a lesson for Enzo Fernandez
Like with Fernandez, there has also been plenty of speculation about Palmer’s future. It has even been claimed that Intermediaries are trying to gauge interest in Palmer from big clubs.
Cole Palmer (left) and Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Yet the Englishman has not been flirting with other outfits despite Chelsea’s struggles. Instead, he has spoken about what an honour it is to captain the Blues.
Fernandez already has that privilege as the vice-captain in the team, but he has not shown that he appreciates it with his latest comments.
Ultimately, Palmer and his words can be a lesson for Fernandez. The England international deserves to be in a team capable of winning football’s biggest trophies just as much as Fernandez does, even more so many would argue.
However, he has not sent a come-and-get-me plea during Chelsea’s most difficult period of the season, unlike Fernandez.
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