COLE PALMER left fans in disbelief after openly admitting that he only knew of Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola through a video game.
The 22-year-old put on a fantastic display as Chelsea earned a 2-1 win over Newcastle at the weekend.
He drew comparisons to Blues icon Zola – who was at Stamford Bridge for the match – as a result.
But asked about the Italian at full-time, Palmer was forced to admit that he’d never actually seen him play.
He told Sky Sports: “I know he’s an icon on FIFA so he must have been good.
“I didn’t really watch him play but everyone says he was a great player.”
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Fans were shocked by the midfielder’s admission, with one person taking to social media to write: “Jesus wept. He actually said those words out loud?”
Another commented: “‘Icon on FIFA’ cringed just reading that.”
A third said: “Respect the honesty tbh.”
While another quipped: “I feel old.”
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Zola heaped praise on Palmer before the match at Stamford Bridge.
He said: “When he receives the ball he already knows what he wants to do next.
“It’s a quality only a few players have.”
Palmer played a crucial role in the build-up to Chelsea’s first goal, sending a stunning pass through to Pedro Neto on the left, who squared the ball across the box to goalscorer Nicolas Jackson.
He then scored the winner just after half-time.
Chelsea player ratings vs Newcastle
COLE PALMER was once again the star of the show.
His perfect pass for Neto set up Nicolas Jackson’s opening goal and then he scored the second in a 2-1 win over Newcastle.
He was class – but not all the Chelsea players were.
Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players at Stamford Bridge…
Robert Sanchez – 3/10
Pretty poor in all honesty.
A liability in terms of distribution, and while a decent shot-stopper, he consistently seems to be a big question mark in this Chelsea eleven.
Malo Gusto – 3
It looks as though Chelsea may have to choose between Gusto and Reece James to start on the right with them
Failed to impact the game much attacking-wise, and was bettered by Lewis Hall who crossed for Alexander Isak’s equaliser.
Wesley Fofana – 6
Picked up a knock early on and played the rest of the game with a strapped-up knee.
Nonetheless, gave as good as he got against the powerful Alexander Isak for large parts of the game, and made some crucial blocks and tackles throughout.
Levi Colwill – 6
Was fortunate to get away with a clumsy tackle on Bruno Guimaraes early in the first half, but was still fairly solid.
For a man with such an impressive passing range, it felt like he couldn’t quite put it to use today.
Seemingly prevented Alexander Isak from levelling with his aura alone…
Reece James – 2
Playing as a left-centre back it’s hard to see how Chelsea will get the best out of what could be one of the finest attacking wing backs in the world.
He didn’t look comfortable in that position, and let Alexander Isak run away from him for Newcastle’s equaliser.
He came up with two crucial blocks in the second half to deny Isak from making it two or three, before giving him a golden chance to do so which was not taken.
Romeo Lavia – 7
Followed up a brilliant performance in the loss to Liverpool with another good showing in the middle of the park here.
Starting to look like a bargain with performances like these if he can stay fit, as he claimed the assist for Cole Palmer’s fine finish.
Moises Caicedo – 7
Effective in breaking up play for the Blues, and it was a solid showing from a midfield player who has been so good this season.
Steps into challenges nicely at just the right time, and is becoming a dependable figure in the same mould in which N’golo Kante and Claude Makelele were in their time here.
Noni Madueke – 5
Quiet in the first half, but better in the second as he looked to trouble Lewis Hall more.
Was outshone by Pedro Neto on the opposite flank this time out, before being swapped out for Mykhailo Mudryk.
Pedro Neto – 8
So much pace down the left-hand side which was utilised perfectly to leave Livramento in the dust to set up Nicolas Jackson’s opening goal.
Could have had a goal early in the second half as he rattled the post with a header after leaping like a salmon.
Cole Palmer – 9
Started the game well with a cracking finish which VAR ruled out, only to cook the Newcastle defence a matter of moments later with an incisive pass for Neto to set up the opener.
Newcastle simply could not handle the midfield man, who lit up Stamford Bridge early in the second half to claim his sixth goal of the season.
Nonchalance personified, cool Cole showed why he will attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony tomorrow night, and why he can win it in coming years.
Nicolas Jackson – 8
A superb first-time finish opened the scoring for the Blues, and the Senegalese forward did well with the little service he had in the first half – often needing to drop deep to pick up the ball and link up the play.
14 goals in his last 14 Premier League games – leave the Didier Drogba comparisons at home, this is a superstar in his own right.
SUBS:
MYKHAILO MUDRYK (NONI MADUEKE, 67) – 5
Had a big chance to add a third to Chelsea’s tally after replacing Madueke, but his left-footed strike was saved by Nick Pope, who didn’t have to move.
ENZO FERNANDEZ (ROMEO LAVIA, 72) – 5
Didn’t add anything which Lavia wasn’t already giving, but ultimately wasn’t given much time to really impact the game.
MARC CUCURELLA (MALO GUSTO , 78) – 5
Individually, didn’t have a lot of time to show what he’s made of, but Chelsea look like a better team with him in the side.
He plays the inverted left-back role well, allowing Chelsea to get the most out of their right-side.
CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU ( NICOLAS JACKSON, 78) – 6
Had a half-chance late on, which wasn’t taken as he dilly-dallied on the ball on the edge of the box.
Thought he had won a penalty on the stroke of the 90th minute after going down under pressure from Dan Burn, but it was ruled out by VAR.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
