Joe Cole believes Cole Palmer is "destined for greatness" as he predicts the Chelsea forward to be the difference maker in Wednesday's Conference League final against Real Betis.
Chelsea, who clinched Champions League qualification in Sunday’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, can end the season on an even higher note as they bid for their first trophy since their 2022 Club World Cup triumph.
England international Palmer started at the City Ground and will be vital for Enzo Maresca’s men in Wroclaw, according to Cole.
"It’s going to be massive," former Chelsea midfielder Cole said at a TNT roundtable event, on the importance of Palmer in the final.
"I think Cole Palmer is destined for greatness so I expect him to affect the game, score a goal and be the star man. He’s just born with that, it’s in his bones and so I expect him to be the main man."
Due to scheduling, Chelsea will have just three days to prepare for the European final – a decision manager Maresca expressed he was "not happy with".
Opponents Betis, who ended their La Liga campaign on a winless run of four matches, played on Friday and have an extended rest period going into the tie.
Chelsea then travel to the United States to take part in the new-look format of the Club World Cup next month, but Cole admitted there were concerns over fixture congestion.
"The Conference League has been great (for Chelsea) but in the grand scheme of football, with FIFA adding the Club World Cup and there being extra games, international football, the Nations League, all of that needs to be looked at," Cole added
"Because we all love football but it’s not right that these lads are playing consistently like they are, it brings the quality down for the consumer and for the lads, it isn’t ideal."
Chelsea’s young team faltered in the last final they were involved in – a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in last year’s Carabao Cup at Wembley.
Silverware could prove to be a crucial step in their development ahead of next season where they take part in the Champions League for the first time since 2023.
"The final is a different thing, anything can happen," Cole said. "There’s enough jeopardy in this game to watch it.
"I think it’s been a good season regardless of the outcome because there’s been progress and I think the club just need to keep believing."
**Watch the Champions League final, PSG v Inter Milan, on Saturday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app.**