Cole Palmer draws comparisons to Chelsea legend for this standout trait: "He’s got another level"

Cole Palmer’s meteoric rise at Chelsea has caught the attention of fans, pundits, and former club staff alike—and now he’s being likened to one of the most beloved legends in Stamford Bridge history.

Palmer the game-changer

The 23-year-old attacker delivered another statement performance during the Club World Cup final, scoring twice and assisting once in the opening half against Paris Saint-Germain to help Chelsea lift the trophy. It was a masterclass that reinforced his growing reputation as a clutch performer on the big stage.

His display followed another standout outing in the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis in May, where he earned Man of the Match honors after single-handedly shifting the momentum of the game from the right flank.

Former Chelsea assistant manager Jody Morris, speaking to talkSPORT, didn’t hold back in his praise for Cole Palmer’s influence and talent, drawing a remarkable comparison with Eden Hazard, one of the club’s all-time greats.

“For me, he’s a superstar already, but I still think he’s got another level to go to, because I think you need to play in the Champions League for you to be considered the next level,” Morris said.

“We saw what he did on the right-hand side in the Conference League final. He took it upon himself to go and right, ‘I’m going to make something happen.’

“There’s a few players that can do that. We were lucky enough to have probably the best to ever do that, Eden Hazard. Cole Palmer is in that same bracket.”

A star ready for Europe

With Chelsea returning to the Champions League this season under new boss Enzo Maresca, Palmer is widely expected to be the focal point of the Blues’ European campaign. His ability to rise to the occasion and turn games on their head places him in a rare category of match-winners—those capable of deciding contests with individual brilliance.

While the comparisons to Hazard may seem lofty, Cole Palmer’s trajectory suggests he may be ready to embrace the responsibility. The coming season will be a litmus test for his growth, as he prepares to navigate the Champions League's pressure-packed fixtures and help Chelsea reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.