Cole Palmer has said he tries not to put pressure on himself after earning comparisons to Chelsea great Gianfranco Zola.
Palmer starred as Chelsea climbed back into the Premier League’s top four with a 2-1 win over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The 22-year-old scored the winner early into the second half, having helped create the opening goal for the Blues with a wonderful defence-splitting pass from deep.
Palmer was named PFA Player of the Year in 2023/24 and has started the new season in similar form, with 12 goal involvements in nine Premier League appearances.
He said is keen to avoid putting added pressure on himself in just his second season of regular first-team football.
“I try and go out there and play my game. That is what I do,” he said to Sky Sports.
“I always try to enjoy my football game by game. I try to not put pressure on myself. Many people on the outside try to put pressure on me to replicate what I did last season in terms of numbers. It is my second season playing football and I am still very, very young.”
Palmer’s impact at Chelsea has earned comparisons to Gianfranco Zola. The midfielder admits he’s too young to remember the Italian in action but admits it is flattering to be spoken about alongside a Chelsea great.
“I know he is an icon on Fifa so he must have been good. To be honest I didn’t really watch him play. Everyone says he was a great player, so thank you.”
