Cole Palmer rated Premier League's best player by ex-Chelsea star Nevin; England must use star more wisely

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin has declared Cole Palmer the best player in the Premier League this season, telling Sports Mole that it is "past time" to rank the England star above the likes of Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.

Palmer led the league for both goals scored and goal involvements during September, when in four appearances he found the net five times and added one assist.

Most notably, four strikes came within a stunning 21-minute spell against Brighton & Hove Albion, as he became the first player to score four before half time in Premier League history.

An assist in a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace and a goal in Chelsea's 3-0 win at West Ham United helped him secure the prestigious 'Player of the Month' accolade for a second time, the first coming in April 2024.

Having now claimed two of the last three awards available, former Blues star Nevin believes that Palmer is the outstanding player throughout England's top flight.

"Past time" that Cole Palmer is described as Premier League's top player

When asked to consider whether the 22-year-old forward is the best player in the Premier League and front runner for 'Player of the Season', Nevin told Sports Mole: "I wouldn't say it's time to say that. I think it's gone past time to say that, to be fair!

"I was working at the Euros and I was gobsmacked that England weren't starting him. Now, as a Scot, I'm an interested observer and I'm going, why are you leaving that guy out there? Why is he on the bench? It doesn't make sense."

Palmer has admitted he found his experience at Euro 2024 frustrating, due to former Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate's reluctance to start him during the tournament in Germany.

Despite a superb first season at Chelsea, which saw him established as a key player at Stamford Bridge, Palmer was consigned to a bit-part role for his country, often impressing as a substitute but not starting a single match.

'Waste of time' using Cole Palmer out wide

© Imago

The Manchester City academy graduate emerged from the bench to score England's equaliser in the final against Spain, but he was not trusted to play in his preferred role, just behind a central striker.

"I personally think you're wasting your time putting him out wide," Nevin told Sports Mole.

"The downside for Palmer and one or two others is that England played that 4-2-3-1 during the Euros. But you've got number 10s coming out of your ears: use them and use them well.

"If you can get Cole Palmer as one of two central attacking midfielders, that's what he has to be."

Palmer - who racked up 22 goals and 11 assists last season - has since continued his progression under new Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca and will now aim to impress incoming England manager Thomas Tuchel.

Having started October with an assist in a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, he will seek to increase his league-leading tally of 11 goal involvements when the Blues return to Premier League action against Liverpool on Sunday.

Pat Nevin was talking to Sports Mole on behalf of sports betting site BetVictor.

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