Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders heaps praise on Chelsea’s recent acquisition, Cole Palmer, ahead of their 2023-24 EFL Cup final clash this Sunday (February 25).
On the summer transfer deadline day, Chelsea secured Palmer’s services in a potential £42.5 million deal from Manchester City. Since his arrival, the versatile midfielder has seamlessly integrated into the first-team setup, hitting top form from October last year.
With two caps for England, Palmer has proven to be a game-changer for Chelsea this season. The 21-year-old left-footed talent has contributed 12 goals and nine assists, including 10 goals and six assists in 21 league appearances, across 29 outings.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Lijnders commended Palmer’s impact, labeling him as one of the standout signings in the Premier League this season. He remarked to reporters (h/t The Boot Room):
“I think one of the best signings this year in the Premier League is Palmer; taking him from a rival, a young player, and performing like that.”
Palmer, whose contract runs until June 2030, faced Liverpool once earlier this campaign, showcasing his skills with 35 completed passes out of 39 attempts, four successful dribbles out of seven, and winning seven duels out of 11 as a striker in Chelsea’s 4-1 defeat away at Anfield last month.
