Cole Palmer has been a hugely important figure for the Blues this season under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, and the Chelsea boss has been delighted to witness the 22-year-old's progress from the dugout.
After scoring 22 goals and registering 10 assists in the top flight, Pochettino is pleased Palmer’s work at Cobham has born fruit, and the boss is hopeful the Premier League Young Player of the Season can conclude on a positive note with victory over Bournemouth.
Palmer has broken many club records throughout the campaign, including scoring the most goals at the Bridge in a single Premier League season and surpassing Eden Hazard’s record for the most goal involvements.
He also earned the prestigious honour of winning our Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season prizes, joining Thiago Silva, Willian and Hazard as Blues who have achieved that feat.
With all of these records and awards, Pochettino is well aware of Palmer’s ability, but he is hoping that he will continue to build on his success next season.
‘I think the quality and the characteristics of Cole show the potential of a top player,’ the boss opened.
‘He is showing he is top because scoring 22 goals in the Premier League is an amazing achievement, but he still needs time to evolve.
‘It is his first season being involved regularly in the Premier League, so now it’s about confirming next season – like Harry Kane did at Tottenham – that he can deal [with the expectation], reach the level he is at now, and then stay there.’