Enzo Maresca He couldn't have hoped for a better start Chelsea He rules even in his wildest dreams.
The Blues currently occupy second place, only two points behind leaders Liverpool Premier League table And enjoy their 100% start Conference League campaign.
The west London outfit have been a joy to watch this season, playing with real fluidity up front, and they are currently the league's top scorers with 37 goals in their first 16 games.
A big part of their success has been the devastating form of Cole Palmer With each passing match, Chelsea fans and staff alike must not believe they have been allowed to sign the England international. £40 million from defending champions Manchester City.
Cole Palmer shows Manchester City what they're missing
Palmer has been one of the stars of the campaign so far 17 contributions in 16 league matches only. This destructive shape is on his back Winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award At the end of the 23/24 season.
Palmer, who was a Man City academy graduate before moving to London, was making an appearance Pep Guardiola What he was missing at Etihad Stadium, especially with City's recent struggle to regain its level.
City is struggling to score goals from its attacking options this season, with the exception of Erling Haaland, and he has already done so He got 11 this seasonPalmer has outperformed a number of City's stars in several key attacking metrics.
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Cole Palmer vs Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne season 24/25 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Palmer |
Foot |
Grealish |
De Bruyne |
|
Objectives |
11 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Helps |
6 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Shots on goal |
38.9% |
12.5% |
33.3% |
28% |
|
Crosses |
74 |
38 |
16 |
59 |
|
Refunds |
52 |
24 |
18 |
23 |
|
Statistics via FBref |
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Palmer is clear of his rivals at City in terms of Goals and assists But he also has Higher shots on target The percentage means he has improved his shot accuracy since moving to Stamford Bridge.
Additionally, Palmer has an advantage in the all-around aspects of his game as well, where he has produced Most crosses with 74 and Highest ball recovery ratewhich shows his work ethic for the Chelsea team.
Where are they now?
Your star or biggest flop has left the club, but what are they doing now? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.
City will no doubt regret Palmer's departure, however, Chelsea may also have a similar case on their hands following the stunning form of one of their Premier League full-backs…
Chelsea committed a foul on Cole Palmer
When Chelsea sold the academy graduate Lewis Hall to Newcastle in a £35m deal in August 2023They will be very happy with their work.
The Blues didn't expect Hall to continue to become “One of the best left-backs in the Premier League“, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Hall has excelled for the Magpies this season after achieving He participated in 16 league matches and scored two goals. His ability to make powerful forward attacks while being strong defensively Hall earned his England debut Under interim manager Lee Carsley in November.
While Mark Cucurella, Chelsea's current left-back, has enjoyed a successful season so far. He participated in 15 matchesit seems Blues fans and staff can't help but look back with regret at the Hall sale as the Newcastle man now outperforms Cucurella on a number of key defensive metrics.
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Lewis Hall vs Mark Cucurella Season 24/25 |
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|---|---|---|
|
statistics |
hall |
Cocurella |
|
Helps |
2 |
1 |
|
Holds progressivism |
26 |
15 |
|
Progressive passes |
78 |
43 |
|
Crosses |
65 |
15 |
|
He treats |
30 |
26 |
|
Blocks |
23 |
21 |
|
Aerial duels won |
53.7% |
35.9% |
|
Statistics via FBref |
||
It's rare for a modern full-back to have the complete package in terms of attacking prowess and defensive solidity, but Hall looks set to become one of those rarities.
Hall outperforms his Chelsea counterpart on a number of key attacking metrics More help, Progressive passes and carries It has produced remarkably well More crosses Inside the Newcastle penalty area.
Defensively, Hall also has the upper hand over Cucurella More interventions, Blocks And a Higher percentage of victories in aerial dueling. Highlighting once again the all-round game of the former Chelsea defender.
While Chelsea are enjoying a positive start to the season, it appears they may have made the 'Cole Palmer' mistake of selling Lewis Hall – could that come back to haunt Maresca and his team in their quest for major silverware?
