Rodri and Cole Palmer once shared the same dressing room at Manchester City, but their paths diverged when Palmer moved to Chelsea last season. This split saw them not only playing for different club teams but also representing their respective countries on opposite sides of the pitch in the Euro 2024 final.
In the thrilling contest between Spain and England on Sunday night, Rodri's Spain emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. However, Palmer made a mark by scoring the only goal for the Three Lions. This brilliant strike would not have surprised one of his Chelsea teammates. Prior to the game, Marc Cucurella had expressed his concern about Palmer starting, acknowledging the young player’s potential threat to his home country.
Palmer’s move from Manchester City to Chelsea marked the beginning of an extraordinary 2023/24 campaign. In his 45 appearances for the Blues, he netted 25 goals and provided 15 assists, making a remarkable 40 goal contributions. Such statistics are a testament to his incredible talent and impact on the field. His performances did not go unnoticed, and they have now transitioned onto the international stage, demonstrating his growing influence in the world of football.
Rodri, who witnessed Palmer’s development first-hand at Manchester City, is among those who believe in the young attacker’s potential. Speaking to ITV after the Euro 2024 final, the City star praised Palmer’s talent and predicted a bright future for him. “I know this guy; he is a huge talent. He is going to be a top player in the next years,” Rodri stated confidently.
The question on many football fans' minds is whether Cole Palmer will indeed become a top player. Given his outstanding statistics from last season, it’s hard to argue otherwise. Forty goal contributions in one season, with 33 of those coming in the Premier League, is a feat that only a top-tier player can achieve. Such a performance not only highlights Palmer’s skill but also his consistency and ability to deliver under pressure.
However, it’s also true that sustaining such form over multiple seasons is crucial to being recognized as an elite attacker. For some, Palmer may need to replicate his stunning 2023/24 season to be universally acknowledged as a top player. Nevertheless, the quality he showcased last season and at the Euros suggests that he is already an exceptional footballer. The main challenge now is for Palmer to maintain and build on this level of performance.
If Palmer can continue to perform at this high standard, Chelsea could reap significant rewards. His contributions have the potential to drive the team forward, making them serious contenders in both domestic and international competitions. Palmer’s ability to change games with his goals and assists is invaluable, and his continued development will be crucial for Chelsea’s ambitions.