Micah Richards responds when asked if he thinks Chelsea's Cole Palmer is the Premier League's best youngster

Even with Chelsea going through a mini blip, Cole Palmer is showing no signs of slowing down as he keeps lighting up the football pitch.

Cole Palmer continues to shine on a weekly basis as the talisman of the Chelsea side under Enzo Maresca.

The 22-year-old attacker is one of only two Blues stars to play in every Premier League game so far this season, along with Moises Caicedo. In 20 league appearances, Palmer’s scored 13 goals and created six assists.

Palmer’s been nominated for the Premier League’s Player of the Month seven times since his move to Stamford Bridge, including for his performances in December 2024. However, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has just picked up the individual prize for last month.

Cole Palmer of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Fulham FC at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2024 in London, England.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images

Micah Richards answers Cole Palmer question

Micah Richards is reluctant to describe Chelsea’s Palmer as the Premier League’s best young player because of Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka.

When asked if Palmer is the best youngster in the Premier League, Richards told SPORTbible: “Saka’s done it for longer than Palmer, hasn’t he? So I can’t say I strongly agree that he’s the best young player because Saka has done it for longer. If Saka’s not involved, I strongly agree.”

At the age of 22, Chelsea’s Palmer may not be viewed as a youngster by many people, especially as he’s now got a wealth of experience under his belt. The same point can be exaggerated for 23-year-old Saka, too.

Arsenal forward Saka has racked up 186 Premier League appearances over recent years, plus he’s got 43 senior England caps.

Palmer and Saka are the two most recent winners of the PFA Young Player of the Year, but it might be time for people to stop viewing them in that light. Instead, they’re two of the best and most consistent performers in the Premier League.

Incidentally, Gary Lineker narrowly picked Palmer over Saka when he had to choose between the Chelsea and Arsenal rivals.

Player Appearnaces Goals Assists Shots on target Shot-creating action Through balls Successful take-ons
Cole Palmer 20 13 6 26 107 15 26
Bukayo Saka 16 5 10 17 89 4 33
Cole Palmer vs Bukayo Saka in the 2024/25 Premier League season so far via FBREF
Cole Palmer of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on December 20, 2024 in Cobham, England.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Jamie Redknapp calls Cole Palmer a ‘throwback’

During SPORTbible’s interview above, Jamie Redknapp also featured and showered Chelsea’s Palmer with massive praise.

Redknapp commented on Palmer: “He’s not a young player. He’s just a great player. I love watching him play. He’s a throwback. He’s exciting to watch. He doesn’t care. Young players love him.”

The Chelsea playmaker, who’s really suiting the No.10 position this season, does play with a freedom that can be rare to find in the modern game. His individual talent means he does get that licence in Maresca’s system, though.

Chelsea supporters recently compared Palmer to Eden Hazard after one of his goals, which is the truest sign of greatness and approval from the fanbase.



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