Chelsea’s star midfielder Cole Palmer has been drawing parallels with the Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo due to his relentless dedication to training. Since his £42.5 million move from Manchester City in September 2023, Palmer has emerged as Chelsea’s talisman, contributing a staggering 32 goals and 20 assists in just 59 matches across all competitions. The 21-year-old Englishman’s attacking midfield skills and natural talent have made him a promising face in football.
Like Ronaldo, Palmer’s commitment to improvement often pushes him beyond regular expectations. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has to often convince Palmer to step away from the field at Cobham, as he tends to stay behind after training sessions to work on himself individually. In an interview with the Mirror, Palmer revealed that if his manager let him, he would stay behind all day to practice. This level of dedication is reminiscent of Ronaldo’s habits during his time at Manchester United, where Sir Alex Ferguson would often have to yell at him to stop practicing and conserve energy for upcoming matches.
The parallels between the two extend beyond their training routines. Both players entered the Premier League as slender, skillful youngsters, needing to develop the physical strength required for England’s top tier. Ronaldo transformed himself into a physical powerhouse through relentless effort, and Palmer is on a similar trajectory. Growing up, Palmer was often the smallest on the pitch, playing against older and stronger opponents, which honed his quick thinking and skill development.
Reflecting on his early years of street football with his father and friends, Palmer said, “I was smaller, so I had to think more.” This mentality has served him well, and he has developed a reputation for being a clever and resourceful player. Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola, who has been impressed by Palmer’s rapid rise at the club, believes he has the potential to reach the pinnacle of the sport. “He needs to work a lot on his game because he’s still young. But if he gets a bit faster and stronger in one-on-ones, he could be in contention for the Ballon d’Or. The numbers and skills are there.”
Palmer’s commitment to training is especially apparent during midweek sessions, when his teammates are competing in the Europa Conference League. However, as he is not part of the squad traveling for European fixtures, he is able to focus solely on refining his game. It’s a luxury he uses to his advantage, staying behind at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground to work on his craft. The Chelsea manager’s insistence on sending Palmer home after training sessions reflects an understanding of how to manage extraordinary talent.
As Palmer continues to develop his skills and build his reputation, it’s clear that he has the potential to become a top-tier player. With his dedication to training and his natural talent, he is well on his way to achieving great things in football.
