Ferdinand disagrees with Keane on Palmer comments - Source: Getty
Ferdinand disagrees with Keane on Palmer comments - Source: Getty
Rio Ferdinand has refused to agree with ex-teammate Roy Keane's comments about Chelsea star Cole Palmer. Former Manchester United captain Keane made a bold prediction that Palmer will never be the player that takes England to the next level due to his 'bad habits'.
The comments were made before England faced Spain in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday. Notably, Palmer pulled out of the England squad just days before the game against the world champions, citing a minor injury.
Thomas Tuchel pointed to how the Chelsea forward misses way too many national team camps due to such issues and Keane added to the criticism aimed at the player.
However, Ferdinand offered a different opinion about Palmer. The former England centre-back believes the Chelsea ace must be part of every single national team squad. Ferdinand highlighted how Palmer gives teams 'something different' in terms of opening up opponents.
Speaking further about Palmer's qualities, Ferdinand stated that the 24-year-old is a precocious talent, who has the right kind of arrogance to remain unfazed in the biggest of stages. The footballer-turned-pundit admitted that squad harmony is important when it comes to the England national team, but he insists Palmer is a player Tuchel must be patient with in the long run.
Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel:
“I don’t think there’s a squad that should be picked for England that Cole Palmer shouldn’t be in.
“I’m sorry, I just think he gives you something different. He gives you that ability to slice through defensive units that have been set up.
“He has the ability to see that pass. He does things that none of the other players can do.
“Cole Palmer is a precocious talent and I think you need him in and around the squad. He’s a kid who doesn’t get fazed on the biggest stage as well, he’s got that bit of arrogance about him which you need.
"I get you need to be fit and have that harmonious vibe in the squad but this kid… you wait for someone like him. I’m not saying he has to start, but, boy, I find it hard not to put him in.
“Roy might have seen him having a bad day against Brentford, but what this kid can do with a football is rare.”
England, who suffered a 3-2 loss against Spain, next face Czech Republic away from home in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday.
Chelsea and Palmer face tricky tests after international break
Xabi Alonso and Chelsea have come under pressure in the Premier League. The Blues began their season with a 3-2 win over Fulham, but have managed to win just once in the next four outings.
The alarming thing for Chelsea is the fact that their defensive issues continue to hurt them. No team in the Premier League has conceded more goals than Chelsea (12) so far this season.
The front-three consisting of Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro has combined for the most number of goals in the top-flight, and yet they find themselves in 10th place.
Chelsea return to action on October 10, when they host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. After that game, they take the trip to face Everton before matches against Tottenham (home), Liverpool away (Carabao Cup) and Manchester United (home). If results don't improve in this tricky run of fixtures, Alonso could face serious questions over his future.