Palmer Excelled as Chelsea’s Top Scorer in 2024/25

According to reports on Sunday, former Chelsea player Pat Nevin believes it’s premature to equate Cole Palmer with legendary figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Palmer has rapidly become a crucial component for Chelsea. During his debut season, the English footballer received the PFA Young Player of the Year award and also clinched the title of Chelsea’s leading goalscorer for the 2024/25 season.

Nevin suggested Palmer has the potential to emulate Zinedine Zidane but emphasized that comparing him to Messi and Ronaldo is currently unwarranted.

“A year prior, comparisons between Cole Palmer and Zinedine Zidane were appropriate. However, this past year, they weren’t. Perhaps they will be again. There’s no question he’s a world-class talent, and still quite young. Consider the Euros, where many other players received the spotlight, and Cole seemed to remain on the bench,” Nevin stated.

“He is approaching that level. When it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, refrain from comparisons because it’s unjust. However, he’s nearing the next tier. I believe he is already quite close, but sustaining this level of performance annually is essential. And this past year was indeed remarkable.”

Nevin further added that the additions of Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens will further aid in Cole Palmer’s development.

“The support from players surrounding him, like Estevao and James Gittens, will undoubtedly make things somewhat simpler for him and contribute to the overall strengthening of the team.”

Since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in September 2023, Palmer has recorded 43 goals and 29 assists across 97 appearances.