Cole Palmer, the 22-year-old English attacker, is making his mark at Euro 2024 after an impressive season with Chelsea, finishing second in the race for the Golden Boot. Inspired by Brazilian icon Neymar, Palmer is known for his deadly penalties and nerves of steel. Despite initially being a substitute for the Three Lions, he has impressed with his cameos, prompting calls for him to be included in the starting line-up.Cole Palmer, the 22-year-old English attacker, is making his mark at Euro 2024 after an impressive season with Chelsea, finishing second in the race for the Golden Boot. Inspired by Brazilian icon Neymar, Palmer is known for his deadly penalties and nerves of steel. Despite initially being a substitute for the Three Lions, he has impressed with his cameos, prompting calls for him to be included in the starting line-up. Palmer’s favorite players include Kaka, Andrés Iniesta, and Neymar, all of whom have influenced his playing style. However, his childhood inspiration was Wayne Rooney, whom he watched play for Manchester United. Palmer believes that a combination of him and Rooney would be “dangerous.” Despite speculation about his starting position, Palmer emphasizes his preference to play near the net, either as a right or left forward. He enjoys the versatility of playing on both sides of the field. Palmer’s performances have drawn attention, and talkSPORT understands that England manager Gareth Southgate is considering changes to the team, which could potentially include Palmer in an attacking role. With the tournament ongoing, it remains to be seen if Palmer will be selected for the match in Dusseldorf, but his impressive form suggests that he could be a valuable asset to the team.
Cole Palmer has the world at his feet for England and Chelsea and is inspired by a Brazilian icon.
The 22-year-old attacker is now making his mark at Euro 2024 after an incredible season in the Premier League, which saw him finish runner-up in the race for the Golden Boot with 22 goals in 33 games.
Palmer, Chelsea’s best player last season, also climbs the ladder for EnglandSource: Getty
Palmer has been a substitute for the Three Lions up until now, but his cameo appearances have been a source of inspiration, with many calling for him to be added to the starting line-up after an incredible debut season for Chelsea.
Deadly from the penalty spot and with a nerve of steel that belies his years, it’s not hard to see why English football is already obsessed with its new star.
And it becomes even clearer why Palmer is so impressive considering who his favorite player is.
In a ‘Winner Stays On’ game with talkSPORT, he stuck to Brazilian legend Kaka by drawing a number of comparisons, before switching to Barcelona icon Andrés Iniesta.
It was soon Neymar’s turn, who beat Kevin De Bruyne, Martin Odegaard, David Silva, Mesut Özil, Bernardo Silva, Zinedine Zidane and Yaya Touré.
The comparison is clear between the two attackers who like to pick up the ball from the side before charging towards the opposition goal with venom.
But when asked who he used to play on the school playground, it turned out that an English megastar gave him the most inspiration.
“Wayne Rooney,” Palmer replied. “Because I was a Manchester United fan when I was younger and watched him play all the time.”
Neymar stands head and shoulders above the rest for PalmerSource: AFP In the beginning it was Rooney Palmer who looked up to him the most, althoughSource: Getty
And what would it look like if these two were together?
“Danger!” Palmer said, laughing.
It remains to be seen whether Palmer will be selected on Saturday, but talkSPORT understands that England manager Gareth Southgate will announce the changes for the match in Dusseldorf.
With defender Marc Guehi suspended, Southgate is considering a defence with three wing-backs. Bukayo Saka could then be moved to left wing-back, potentially freeing up a role in attack for Palmer.
When asked what position he would like to play for England, Palmer replied: “Somewhere near the net.”
“Maybe not left, but maybe right forward. I don’t mind left, by the way.
“Sometimes I like to go across the field and then go a little bit to the left to get the ball in. Sometimes it’s quite fun to go to the left.”
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