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Cole Palmer shines with a double against PSG. |
No pressure, no exaggeration. But then, he made the entire PSG squad - the reigning European champions - look at each other in bewilderment, not understanding what was happening. Because it was Palmer, with two classy goals and a delicate assist in less than 45 minutes, who destroyed a team considered the most perfect in Europe at the moment.
A game that was a turning point. Not just for Chelsea, but for Palmer himself - who would no longer be just a “young talent on the rise”, but a genuine world-class star.
Billboards across New York had seen Palmer alongside Ousmane Dembele at the Top of the Rock photoshoot. But few would have guessed that 24 hours later, Palmer would be on top of the world for real – with his magical feet and incredible coolness at 23.
His two goals – both from the left corner of the box, both clever low shots that fooled Donnarumma – looked like copy-pasted. But behind that “similarity” was a cunning, sharp sense of space and an increasingly perfect finishing ability.
In a final where PSG had 60% possession, Palmer was the one who turned the game around for Chelsea. In the 42nd minute, he held the ball in the middle of the pitch, observed for a moment, then cut a gap for Joao Pedro to run down and chip the ball over Donnarumma's head. 3-0. PSG collapsed.
Coach Enzo Maresca played a perfect game. Neither defending nor naively pressing the entire line, Chelsea chose to play directly, ignoring the midfield, which was PSG's strong point. Right from the first minute, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez kicked the ball long to the right wing - where Mendes was constantly being attacked by Gusto and Palmer. Pragmatism mixed with bravery was what helped Chelsea dominate the match.
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Cole is a world class star. |
Under Maresca, Chelsea were no longer a naive young team. They were sharp, knowing when to accelerate and when to retreat. Caicedo - who had almost missed out through injury - had the game of his life, completely overshadowing PSG's midfield. Joao Pedro made the most of his chances, Gusto worked tirelessly, and Reece James was brought into the middle of the pitch to add defensive weight.
But all that effort revolved around one bright spot: Palmer. He was the starter, the finisher, and the catalyst that made everything go smoothly.
Once considered a "reject" by Man City, Palmer is now Chelsea's true number 10 - both in position and influence. The name "Cole Palmer FC" was once used sarcastically, but after the glorious New York night, it became a title of leadership.
Palmer didn't run much, didn't show off. He moved wisely, shielded by his lean, sturdy body, handled with a graceful left foot and a cool head. No gimmicks, no wasted movements. Every touch had a purpose, every pass was calculated.
And that is why Chelsea can now leave the United States with their heads held high with the World Cup, nearly £100m in prize money, and most importantly: the belief that they have a genuine superstar - someone who can carry the team into a new era.
Cole Palmer didn't just shine. He shaped the game. And when a young player can turn a World Cup final into his own personal playground - then perhaps we're witnessing the birth of a future legend.
Source: https://znews.vn/cole-palmer-xung-danh-chan-sut-tram-trieu-usd-post1568400.html
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