"Desperate to make sure everyone knows how exceptional he is" - Martin Keown lavishes praises on Chelsea star ahead of Manchester United clash

Pundit Martin Keown has praised Chelsea star Cole Palmer for his efforts this season ahead of the Blues facing Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday (November 3). The England international is in fine form this season, having scored seven goals and provided five assists in 11 games across competitions.

Chelsea spent just over £40 million to sign Palmer from champions Manchester City in the summer of 2023, and he went on to dazzle brilliantly in his debut campaign. He scored 25 goals and provided 15 assists in 45 appearances for the club across competitions in his debut season.

The Blues handed him a new, improved contract at the start of the 2024-25 season in recognition of his impactful debut season. Cole Palmer has responded to the trust shown in him by Chelsea in kind by continuing his excellent form. Still only 22, the midfielder is one of the finest players in the league due to his ability to influence the game in various ways.

Keown has singled him out for praise ahead of the meeting between the Blues and Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. The former Arsenal star pointed out that Palmer plays as though he is in a rush to impose himself. He wrote in his column for the Daily Mail (via football365.com):

“Palmer’s vision is unparalleled. That pass for Jackson’s opener in last weekend’s 2-1 Premier League win over Newcastle was on another level.

“Few players would have seen that ball was on, let alone possess the quality to execute it. Palmer plays as if there’s no time to lose, desperate to make sure everyone knows how exceptional he is."

While Cole Palmer has scored seven times in the league this season, Nicolas Jackson has six goals, making them one of the most dangerous duos in the division. Both scored in last weekend's 2-1 league win over Newcastle United.

Chelsea star set to miss out against Manchester United

Meanwhile, Chelsea forward Jadon Sancho will not feature for the Blues when they take on rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday (via pulsesports.ng). The Blues are looking to pick up a first away win over the Red Devils since 2013.

Sancho has missed each of the last three games for the Blues, the first two of which were for tactical reasons, according to Enzo Maresca. The forward did not feature in the 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United due to an illness, and he still remains sidelined with the said illness.

Even if he were fit, Sancho would not have been eligible to feature against Manchester United, seeing as he is on loan from the Red Devils. The Blues have an obligation to buy him for £25 million next summer and will almost certainly do so.