Rio Ferdinand has paid a huge tribute to Cole Palmer for what he’s done so far this season at Chelsea.
Cole Palmer, who’s just 21, left Manchester City in the summer to join Chelsea on a permanent basis.
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, the attacking midfielder’s started showing his true quality and potential.
He’s already a nailed-on starter in the Blues XI, scoring four goals and making four assists in 11 Chelsea appearances.
In addition, Palmer received his first ever call-up to England’s senior squad this week.
Super Rio Ferdinand hype
Ferdinand is full of admiration for what Palmer is doing right now in Chelsea colours. In particular, he’s in awe of how calm the £75,000-a-week youngster (Spotrac) actually is on a football pitch.
He showed his true composure by scoring a stoppage time penalty in the weekend’s 4-4 draw against former club Manchester City.
“To go back to the club you played for, and he was there for 15 years, to play in a fixture against them, there’s a lot of pressure… The calmness of which he was moving about that pitch,” Ferdinand told FIVE’s YouTube channel.
“One of the things I latched on to when I heard his interview was about practicing penalties. He said, ‘I just trusted in my ability’. He’s got complete faith and belief in his ability; you can see when he gets the ball.
“For a young player, to see that confidence and the impact that he’s had at a club the stature of Chelsea, you have to take your hat off to him and the character and personality.”
Cole Palmer has arrived
It’s impossible not to be excited by what Palmer has done in the last few months, which has now led to senior international recognition.
The 21-year-old playmaker takes everything in his stride with such composure. Hopefully, that continues as he comes under more scrutiny and the pressure around him intensifies.
Speaking via beIN SPORTS after the weekend, Mauricio Pochettino admitted that Palmer doesn’t feel pressure. The Chelsea head coach added that he’s really impressed by his character and quality.
