Chelsea boss compares Cole Palmer to World Cup winner

While Chelsea might still be nowhere near the level they want to be at, there is no doubt that they have improved as the season has progressed. They were the much better team against Arsenal and it was their own undoing that saw them draw against Mikel Arteta’s side. They also got a 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, although Ange Postecoglou did see two of his players get sent off.

One of the main reasons behind Chelsea’s upturn in form has been Cole Palmer. The Blues surprised a lot of people by signing him from Manchester City in the summer.

Palmer was clearly a talented prospect at Manchester City. But many questioned whether he was good enough to come in and make a positive impact on a struggling Chelsea side. The answer appears to be yes.

Palmer has been very good for Chelsea since arriving and is only expected to get better as he gains more top-level experience. He has only played 51 senior-level games till now. It is clear that he has been successful in impressing Mauricio Pochettino in the short time that he has been at Stamford Bridge though.

Chelsea boss compares Palmer to World Cup winner

As reported by GOAL, Pochettino replied when asked about suggestions that Palmer had a similar profile to Juan Mata:

"“No, he is more Di Maria! You know, the body and the way he moves.”"

That is high praise indeed, to be compared to Angel Di Maria, a World Cup winner and one of the best players of his generation. It remains to be seen if Palmer can reach those heights.

It must be said that there are still areas where Palmer can improve. That is only natural though. He is still just 21 years old and has a lot of time on his hands. Overall, he seems to be one of the best signings that Chelsea have made since the change in ownership and someone Pochettino can build his team around for years to come.