"Chelsea are in Europe this year and a big percentage of that is because of him" - Cesc Fabregas hails 'outstanding' Blues star

Cesc Fabregas has stated that Cole Palmer's contribution was underrated for Chelsea last season. He believes that the Englishman is a key reason why the Blues are back playing in Europe.

Speaking on the BBC Player Premier League podcast, Fabregas pointed out that although the 22-year-old was outstanding last season, his performances went under the radar as the Blues were not winning matches. He added that the former Manchester City star was a big reason for them finishing sixth in the league:

“This year things are getting better, but last year it was a difficult moment for Chelsea, and people respect more what he does. Nobody really realized, every now and then you would see on a Saturday, a goal from Cole Palmer but they lost, an assist for Palmer but they lost.

"Nobody got it all together that he was doing really well, but Chelsea are in Europe this year and a big percentage of that is because of Cole Palmer’s performances last season, he was outstanding.”

Cole Palmer scored 22 times and assisted 11 times in the Premier League for the Blues last season. He also added another three goals and four assists in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Chelsea star Cole Palmer is the best player in the league, claims Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher has stated that Cole Palmer is the best player in the Premier League right now. The Liverpool legend said that he picked Phil Foden over the Chelsea star last season because the Blues did not do well as a team.

He said on Sky Sports:

“Last season I was a little bit reticent to say that he was the best player in the Premier League. It actually felt he was, but the fact that Chelsea hadn’t had such a great season. And I ended up going for Foden just above him and most people thought the same, as Foden got the two player of the year awards, but inside I felt he was the best player in the Premier League.

"And on the back of last season and this season, if he carries on this again through this season, I think he is the best player in the Premier League, I do. He is not playing with the absolute elite, sort of Manchester City, he has moved on from there.”

Cole Palmer has already scored six goals in the Premier League this season. Four of those goals have come in the win over Brighton last week, while he has been left out of the UEFA Conference League group-stage squad.