Chelsea icon John Terry says "maverick" Cole Palmer has the qualities to help restore the club to the glory days of his own trophy-laden tenure.
Terry is one of the most successful and decorated players in Premier League history.
In his final season in 2017, he became the first ever player to captain a team to five Premier League titles.
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The ex-England skipper has signed on with Stan Sport as a pitchside pundit for the London derby between Chelsea and Fulham on August 30.
Chelsea haven't won the Premier League since the Terry era but the legendary centre back is optimistic they will make a genuine run at it this season.
After winning the Club World Cup, Enzo Maresca's side were held to a 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace in their season opener.
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Chelsea take on West Ham in another tasty London derby on Saturday (AEST).
"Every year Chelsea's mindset as a club has been to win the Premier League and this season will be no different," Terry told Wide World of Sports.
"They have real strength in depth in numbers and are only going to get stronger after another year under Enzo Maresca. Supporters should expect them to be challenging and I believe they will be."
Brazil international Joao Pedro headlined Chelsea's summer shopping but England star Palmer is still the face of the club.
Terry was asked to compare Palmer - a brilliant 23-year-old playmaker - to his former midfield teammate Frank Lampard.
"Cole is a maverick and that's what gets you off your seat," Terry said.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal. Getty
"Lamps was a different player, he was brilliant at timing his runs in the box and scoring crucial goals amongst other attributes he had. Cole glides all over the pitch and while he does pop up with some brilliant goals, it's the contributions you don't always see that makes a difference. Opposition defences are also so often preoccupied with him and that often leaves space for other players to exploit."
Terry added that skipper Reece James' influence would be crucial if Chelsea were to upset the apple cart and finish ahead of the 'big three' in Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.
"I think Reece is a real talent and it's about him now staying fit and producing those consistent moments of quality that he does so often," Terry said.
Captain John Terry of Chelsea lifts the trophy.
Captain John Terry of Chelsea lifts the trophy. Getty
"He's still only 25. It's such a plus when he's on song and he obviously leads from the front as captain. With the World Cup next summer, he will want a big season.
"For me, Liverpool will be favourites but there's little to choose between Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea. Those top four clubs will be battling it out all season and it could go down to the wire this time around. There's no doubt those four set the standards and then there's a bit of a drop off to a few others that can challenge."
Terry played an extraordinary 717 games for Chelsea in all competitions between 1998-2017.
John Terry of Chelsea poses with the Premier League Trophy.
John Terry of Chelsea poses with the Premier League Trophy. Getty
He won the full house of Stan Sport competitions - the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League. Terry earned 78 England caps and left Chelsea in 2017 after 19 seasons where he won 17 trophies, including five Premier League titles, five FA Cup triumphs and three League Cup trophies.
"You would say, if you had to choose in order of importance, and this goes for every English club, is winning the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup," Terry said.
"They (Chelsea) have the quality and quantity in numbers to challenge on all fronts.
"I'd love Chelsea to win the Premier League again. They are assembling a young and hungry squad who I believe will only get better."
Manchester City won four straight titles before Liverpool pounced last season.
"Winning any trophy is special but the Premier League is at the top of the tree because it's so hard to win," Terry noted.
"Any side can beat any side on their day. Every game is a challenge, physically and mentally, and I'm not sure if you see that in other big countries like Spain, Italy and Germany for example. For me, it's still way out in front in terms of excitement and entertainment but also the sheer difficulty in winning the competition."
Terry will be reunited with his former Chelsea teammate Mark Bosnich through Stan Sport.
"I love Bozza. He was such a character in the dressing room and he was a very good goalkeeper," Terry said.
Chelsea players Dennis Wise, Jon Harley, John Terry and Mark Bosnich.
Chelsea players Dennis Wise, Jon Harley, John Terry and Mark Bosnich. Getty
"What I do remember about him most fondly was that he had one of the loudest laughs and voices I've ever known! A very popular member of the Chelsea squad.
"I am really excited to join the Stan Sport team. Pitch side for Chelsea vs Fulham, another packed house at Stamford Bridge.
"And Australians get a front row seat in prime time live on Stan Sport."