Cole Palmer: "The King" of Finals

(NLĐO) - From a promising player at Man City, Cole Palmer has made a name for himself through his perseverance, talent, and a special knack for big matches.

Since joining Chelsea from Man City in the summer of 2023, Cole Palmer has not only been one of the most surprising signings in the Premier League, but has also quickly become a "man of big moments".

With his cool demeanor, masterful technique, and ability to decide matches in crucial moments, Palmer is etching his name into Chelsea history as a specialist in finals.

From surplus to requirements at Man City to star at Chelsea

Joining Chelsea for a fee of around £40 million, Cole Palmer arrived at Stamford Bridge with few believing he would immediately shine.

At Man City, Palmer was merely a "potential talent," occasionally given opportunities by manager Pep Guardiola, particularly in domestic competitions. However, he was never a key player.

Cole Palmer was only considered a promising talent when he was at Man City.

Things changed when he joined Chelsea. Without needing much time to adapt, Palmer quickly became the most important link in "The Blues'" attack.

Under any coach, especially the current manager Enzo Maresca, he has always been trusted in big matches and has never disappointed the team or the fans.

The mark left in the finals.

Cole Palmer seemed born to play in crucial matches. He scored in all three major finals Chelsea have participated in since joining the club.

In the 2024 Carabao Cup final, Palmer played brilliantly against Liverpool. Although Chelsea lost 0–1 in extra time, he created the most dangerous chances and nearly scored in the second half if not for the exceptional reflexes of goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Cole Palmer provided two assists in five minutes in the 2025 Conference League final.

In the 2025 UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis, Palmer didn't score but was the game-changer in the second half. He created scoring opportunities for Enzo Fernández and Nicolas Jackson, playing a major role in Chelsea's 4-1 comeback victory.

With this explosive performance, he was voted "Man of the Match" in the final by UEFA.

Cole Palmer scored two goals and provided one assist in the match against PSG.

Most recently, in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final against PSG's highly-rated defense, Palmer shone brightly with a brace in the first half – both exquisitely finished. He also assisted João Pedro's third goal, directly contributing to all three goals.

Palmer received the FIFA Club World Cup "Player of the Year" award.

In a world-class final, Palmer became the brightest star on the MetLife stage, and the double award of "Man of the Final" and "Player of the Tournament" was an immense honor for a young man who, just last year, had eluded him and his teammates with the Euro 2024 title.

Qualities of a champion

Not only is Palmer technically gifted, but he also possesses a rare composure for a 23-year-old. He takes penalties effortlessly, always making the right decisions, and can play in multiple attacking positions: from a number 10, right winger to a "false number 9".

Wearing the Chelsea shirt, Palmer was more than just a "playmaker" – he was a spiritual leader, a symbol of the explosiveness and decisiveness of the new generation at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer is considered a cold-blooded and dangerous assassin.

As coach Enzo Maresca once remarked: "Cole has the goal-scoring instinct of a striker, the creativity of a number 10, and the cool head of someone who has played 300 Champions League games."

A bright future awaits

Cole Palmer has only just begun his career, but his nearly two-year journey at Chelsea has shown one thing: he's not just talent, but a star born to excel in decisive moments.

If he continues to maintain his current form and composure, not only Chelsea, but also the England national team will benefit greatly from having a "king of finals" named Cole Palmer.

At the age of 23, Cole Palmer achieved dazzling glory with two titles in two months.

Don't forget that in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, Cole Palmer came off the bench and immediately scored the equalizer, making it 1-1 for England.

Chelsea have found a star – and perhaps a future legend – in this 23-year-old.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/cole-palmer-ong-vua-cua-cac-tran-chung-ket-196250714071942255.htm