‘I play with Cole Palmer and he is very unique, phenomenal – the sky is the limit’

Palmer’s Chelsea and England teammate feels that there is no one in football quite like the attacking midfielder, who was chosen England Player of the Year by the fans.

Despite his minimal playing time at Euro 2024, Cole Palmer was named England Men’s Player of the Year for the previous season.

The fact that he has only made two starts since his debut in November 2023 did not deter the fans, who voted him the best Three Lions player over the previous year.

And it is apparent that one of his teammates, both for club and country, would not disagree with the supporters’ decision. Noni Madueke has known Palmer for a long time, having played with him in England’s minor divisions. Madueke continues to be impressed by Palmer’s ability to blend a laid-back demeanor with a razor-sharp game.

“Cole is a very unique player – a type of player that doesn’t feel pressure, in the most pressurised situations,” asserts Madueke. “I believe Cole is rare in that he can simply play the game, have fun, and enjoy it. And he’ll create anyhow. “That is just him.”

Palmer has made such an impression at Chelsea that some say there isn’t a finer offensive midfielder in the game today.

Madueke is unsure, but replies, “Listen, Cole is a fantastic player.” In terms of who is the world’s top player? I am not sure if I should make that decision.

“But I believe the sky is the limit for him. I’m not sure whether he has a ceiling. I’m not sure what his ceiling is, but I think the form he’s displaying right now is great.”

Palmer was missed from Lee Carsley’s first England selection, but Madueke made his debut as a substitute, assisting Harry Kane in a 2-0 Nations League victory against Finland at Wembley Stadium. And Madueke hopes to establish an on-field chemistry with Palmer at the international level that is comparable to what they have at club level.

Madueke explains: “Me and Cole have a wonderful friendship both off and on the pitch. It would be great if we could all play for England together.

“We simply bounce off one other. I believe we share a similar view on things.

“We’ve got a terrific relationship. First and foremost, we’ve been playing together since we were Under-15s in England. And we’re extremely good friends off the pitch, so he probably looks for me as much as I look for him. He has a great pass, and I’m really energetic, so I believe it simply clicks.”

And having Carsley as England manager undoubtedly benefits Madueke, even if the temporary manager should have performed better on his debut. Madueke grins. “He (Carsley) claimed I should have scored. But he said I performed well, set a goal, and played my game.

“He’s a really hands-on instructor. He enjoys communicating his views on the pitch and taking control of sessions. Carsball? That is funny. I rather like it.

“He has excellent tactical skills. I’m quite pleased that he’s the manager.”