Chelsea’s Cole Palmer Emerges as Premier League Star, Rivals Salah’s Impact

LONDON, England — Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has drawn comparisons to Liverpool‘s Mohamed Salah for his pivotal role in the Blues’ resurgence this season. Head coach Enzo Maresca likened Palmer’s influence to that of Salah, who leads the Premier League scoring charts with 18 goals and 13 assists for Liverpool.

Palmer, 22, joined Chelsea from Manchester City in September 2023 for £42.5 million and has since become the team’s standout performer. Last season, he scored 22 league goals under Mauricio Pochettino and has added 14 more this campaign, along with six assists. His contributions have propelled Chelsea to fourth place in the Premier League, two points ahead of his former club, City.

“He is improving a lot, not just in terms of goals and assists,” Maresca said in a news conference on Friday. “The second half against Wolves was one of the best moments since I arrived here. He was showing personality, asking for the ball when the team needed it.”

Maresca emphasized Palmer’s leadership qualities, comparing him to Salah’s ability to step up in critical moments. “When Liverpool face tough moments, Salah asks for the ball. We need that kind of player,” he added.

Palmer’s rise has been marked by his adaptability and composure under pressure. He has been man-marked in most games this season, with opponents fouling him 2.1 times per 90 minutes, up from 0.9 last season. Despite the increased attention, Palmer has thrived, accounting for 46% of Chelsea’s goals and assists since his arrival.

His performance in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Wolves on Monday exemplified his growth. Though he didn’t score or assist, Maresca praised his leadership, saying, “He was the leader of the team.”

Palmer’s return to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday for a clash with Manchester City adds intrigue to the match. Maresca acknowledged that City’s depth made it difficult for Palmer to secure playing time there. “No one at City thought Cole wasn’t good enough,” he said. “It was a matter of balance and decisions.”

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest‘s Murillo has also made headlines, signing a new contract after a standout season. The Brazilian defender, known for his long-range shots, has been instrumental in Forest’s rise to third place in the league.

In contrast, Leicester City‘s Ruud van Nistelrooy faces mounting pressure after seven consecutive Premier League losses. Fans booed the Dutch manager during a recent defeat to Fulham, questioning his tactics and decision-making.

As the Premier League season heats up, Palmer’s emergence as a key figure for Chelsea highlights his potential to rival Salah’s impact on the league.