Cole Palmer Kicks Off the 2024-25 Premier League Season with Stellar Performance
Just before the 2024-25 Premier League season took a break for international football, Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer was and is still making headlines with his electrifying performances under new manager Enzo Maresca. At just 22 years old, Palmer continues to affirm his worth to the Blues, showcasing remarkable skills that contributed significantly to Chelsea's attacking prowess.
An Impressive Start
Palmer has made a sensational start to the new season, appearing in seven matches and scoring six goals, averaging 0.86 goals per match as Chelsea sit fourth on 14 points in the English top-flight table. His consistency in front of goal has helped the Blues secure four wins out of seven and has again elevated him to the forefront of discussions surrounding young talents in the league.
Notably, he became the first player in Premier League history to score four goals in the first half of a game during a match against Brighton on September 28, 2024. He also achieved the fastest-ever hat-trick by a Chelsea player in the Premier League, netting three goals in just nine minutes and 48 seconds in the same match.
Palmer's goal-scoring ability has been complemented by his playmaking skills. He has provided five assists this season, demonstrating his vision and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. With a total of 24 shots taken, 11 of which were on target, his shooting accuracy stands impressively at 46%.
The young midfielder constantly proves he can perform under pressure, scoring penalties and free kicks that highlight his technical prowess. In fact, he has successfully scored all 10 of his first penalties for Chelsea, marking the longest consecutive penalty run for the club since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's 12 out of 12.
Rising Through the Ranks
Palmer’s journey to stardom began in earnest during the previous season. With a tally of 28 goals and 17 assists in 59 appearances in the 2022-23 Premier League season, he was instrumental in Chelsea sealing a European spot. Since joining Chelsea last summer, he has recorded three Premier League hat-tricks, which is the joint-most for the club alongside Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Frank Lampard.
His accolades also include being named the Young Player of the Season and earning the title of Player of the Month in April 2024. Furthermore, he has bagged two Goal of the Month awards, showcasing his ability to score stunning goals that leave fans and pundits alike in awe. Beyond his attacking contributions, the midfield ace has been directly involved in 43 goals (28 goals and 15 assists) in the Premier League since the start of the 2023-24 season, more than any other player during this period.
Team Contributions and Discipline
As of writing, he has made 245 passes this season, averaging 35 passes per match, and created eight big chances, demonstrating his capacity to engage in team play. He has also delivered 29 crosses, adding to his versatility as a midfielder.
While Palmer’s attacking statistics are impressive, his defensive contributions cannot be overlooked. With 7 tackles and a tackle success rate of 71%, he has shown that he can contribute defensively. Moreover, he has registered 25 recoveries and won 29 duels, showcasing his determination and tenacity on the pitch.
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