Mauricio Pochettino believes Cole Palmer has a strikingly high-end profile, comparing his on-field style to a recent Argentine great who lit up the Benfica kits. The Chelsea coach sees in Palmer the same blend of acceleration, balance, and vision that once defined Ángel Di María at the biggest stages of European football.
- Palmer joined Chelsea this summer
- Impressive for the Blues
- Pochettino compares Di María
WHAT HAPPENED? Palmer has started life in West London with noticeable momentum after moving from Manchester City. The 21-year-old has already tallied three goals and laid on four assists in his last seven outings, and a showdown with his former employers looms large as Chelsea prepare for a pivotal Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The early impression is that he adapts quickly to Premier League tempo and to Chelsea’s attacking philosophy, which emphasizes rapid ball circulation and clever movement between the lines.
WHAT THEY SAID: In response to chatter that Palmer resembles a familiar Chelsea alumnus, Pochettino offered a pointed read on the comparison. The manager said the Mata parallel misses the mark and insisted Palmer projects a different archetype—one more akin to the dynamic, agile winger who can threaten from both flanks and interior pockets. He highlighted the rhythm of Palmer’s strides, his decision-making in the final third, and the way his upper body keeps defenders off balance as signs of a player built for modern top-tier football.
THE BIG PICTURE: The Chelsea boss was also asked whether City’s decision to move Palmer on surprised him. He declined to wade into the specifics of that transfer debate, instead framing the situation as a broader club question. He noted that two clubs, two distinct goals, and two different timelines can explain why such a move makes sense. The emphasis for Chelsea remains clear: Palmer has started delivering at a level that suggests he could be a long-term fit for the squad’s evolving identity. The discussion touched on how some players click at a new club when the environment, coaching style, and competition for places create the right kind of pressure and opportunity. He added that evaluating players after a transfer is never a straightforward exercise, and that Palmer’s recent performances have earned him increasing trust within the team.
For context, Kovacic’s departure from Chelsea to City was cited as a separate narrative in the wider transfer window chatter, a reminder that moves of players between top clubs often involve a mix of timing, fit, and strategic planning rather than a simple right-or-wrong verdict.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
GettyTweetGetty
WHAT’S NEXT? The upcoming fixture landscape places Chelsea in a high-stakes frame as they chase a result against Manchester City. Palmer will be tested against the opponent he left behind, with Raheem Sterling eyeing a productive reunion with former teammates. The match is expected to spotlight Palmer’s ability to influence proceedings through his movement, pressing intensity, and willingness to take on defenders on the shoulder of the last line. Chelsea will be looking to translate recent progress into a compelling performance that keeps them in the hunt for a top-half finish while continuing to build a cohesive attacking unit around the rising talent. The tactical options available to the manager include variations in how Palmer lines up alongside Chelsea’s other forward options, with the aim of maximizing his pace, dribbling ability, and instinct for creating chances in dangerous areas.
Source: Goal