Ex-Chelsea player Jason Cundy was full of praise for Cole Palmer after his performance against Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening.

The former Manchester City star was named player of the match and, speaking as part of his commentary duties for Chelsea’s official website, Cundy compared Palmer to David Silva:

“I have to say, Cole Palmer right now is on fire. He is Chelsea’s best, most influential player, no question about that.”

“Every time he gets the ball, something’s going to happen. He’s got that ability. He reminded me a little bit of Bernardo or David Silva.”

Palmer’s displays have been impressing pundits and fans alike since he arrived at Stamford Bridge and it’s clear that the Blues have found a player with massive potential.

Guardiola has hailed Palmer as “special”

Despite deciding to let the 21-year-old leave the Etihad Stadium in the summer, City manager Pep Guardiola has often waxed lyrical about the midfielder’s ability. Speaking two years ago, the Spaniard said:

“Cole has a special quality in front of the box, a talent that is difficult to find. I know how it works with young players. We have to be calm and patient.”

It is believed that Palmer’s lack of patience for first-team football hastened his departure from City and Chelsea were happy to take him off their hands.

One man deserves a lot of credit for Chelsea’s decision to buy Palmer

Joe Shields was a youth team scout at Manchester City between 2013 and 2018, and he would have known a lot about the England Under 21 international’s ability.

After being appointed Chelsea’s Co-Director of Recruitment and Talent, he was the one who recommended that the Blues pursue Palmer’s signature.

Journalist Simon Phillips confirmed in his Substack column earlier this month that Shields was an instrumental figure in bringing the midfielder to the London club.