Cole Palmer: Chelsea player a ‘reason why people pay’ to watch football

Apart from perhaps the purists, football fans don’t go to a match to watch zonal marking or a low defensive block.

They go to be entertained, to see goals scored and to witness magical moments. They’re going to watch players like Cole Palmer.

“It’s the reason why people pay,” said Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca after another standout performance from Palmer in Sunday’s 2-1 win against Newcastle.

“They want to see a player like that and we are very happy to have him here.”

The England forward scored what proved to be the winner and continued his excellent form this season.

It was his seventh goal in nine Premier League games, but it wasn’t just his finish – as beautiful as it was – that earned the 22-year-old even more plaudits.

Instead, it was an incredible 60-yard pass from his own half that sent Pedro Neto down the flank to provide the assist for Nicolas Jackson’s first-half opener.

Alan Smith, who co-commentated the match for Sky Sports, called it “the pass of the season”, but those analyzing in the studio at half-time went one step further.

“That pass over 60 yards, I mean, that’s one of the best passes I’ve seen, let alone this season, but in the Premier League,” said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.

“Take two or three Newcastle players out and then just put it on for Neto.”

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane added: “I love watching this boy.

“Even his awareness when he receives the ball, he knows exactly what is happening, but then to execute the pass… perfect pass, you just run and he will pick you out.”