Cole Palmer was asked to choose between Neymar and Zinedine Zidane - and his answer may surprise you.
Palmer, if he can maintain his impressive form, could soon be regarded as one of the best players in world football.
His September 2023 move from Manchester City to Chelsea raised a few eyebrows at the time, but 33 goal involvements – 22 goals and 11 assists – in the Premier League last season proved his decision to move to the capital was correct.
The 22-year-old’s form has continued this term scoring four goals in the first half of a 4-2 home win against Brighton on September 28, taking his tally to six goals in seven league games this term.
Advert
Palmer was born in 2002, the same year as Zidane scored a stunning volley against Bayer Leverkusen in Glasgow to hand Real Madrid their ninth Champions League crown.
The Chelsea man would no doubt love to replicate the career of legends like Zidane, but it was a couple of Brazilians that he seemed to admire most when he took on the ‘winner stays on' challenge earlier this year.
Palmer was asked to choose between several legendary players when speaking to talk talkSPORT in July 2024.
“I’ve been waiting to do one of these,” he said.
First, he was asked to choose between himself and former AC Milan and Real Madrid star Kaka, to which he replied: “Kaka.”
He then opted for Kaka over Gareth Bale, Angel Di Maria, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard before finally choosing Andres Iniesta over the Brazilian.
Next, he was asked to pick between Iniesta and Neymar before swiftly choosing the Al Hilal forward.
Despite his Man City roots he favoured Neymar over City legends David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Yaya Toure.
Finally, he was asked to pick “Neymar or Zinedine Zidane”, and Palmer did not hesitate when choosing Neymar, which may come as a surprise to some.
Palmer also told talkSPORT who he pretended to be in the playground during his youth.
“Wayne Rooney,” he said.
“Because I was a Manchester United fan when I was younger and used to watch him all the time.”
Speaking to GOAL after receiving the PFA Young Player of the Year accolade in August 2024, he was questioned about who he regarded as the best player in the world currently.
"Either Vini [Vinicius Junior] or [Kylian] Mbappe,” he replied.
Palmer was nominated alongside the Real Madrid duo for this year’s Ballon d’Or. Although the Brazilian is currently the favourite to secure the crown.
Topics: Cole Palmer, Football, Manchester City, Neymar, Premier League, Zinedine Zidane, Chelsea
Luke Davies