BBC and talkSPORT pundit Martin Keown says that Chelsea should continue to start Cole Palmer on the right flank.

The former Arsenal defender is a big admirer of the 21-year-old and, writing in his column for the Daily Mail, he claimed that he is at his “most destructive” when deployed as an inverted winger by Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino:

“Watching him for Chelsea, you can see why he insisted he was ready This 21-year-old is an immense talent. He is cool, classy and measured, with a little maverick in him, and determined to prove why he deserves to represent England at Euro 2024.

“Phil Foden was patient enough to wait but Palmer wanted to be fast-tracked and for all those at City who nurtured him, it will be tough seeing him strutting his stuff in a Chelsea shirt.”

“He has been used in a variety of positions but the right wing is where he is most destructive, moving inside on to his left foot to open up the pitch while the overlapping Malo Gusto flies down the flank in support.”

“Opposition full backs can try to force Palmer down the line but much like the best inverted wingers, he will often find his way inside.”

Keown’s claim is backed up by the stats

In his 16 starts as a winger for both City and Chelsea this season, Palmer has scored 7 times and contributed 4 assists. That is the highest number of goal contributions in any of the positions that he has played.

It should be pointed out, though, that he is almost as effective in the no.10 role (having been involved in 10 goals).

Palmer fully deserves his England call-up

Many were surprised when the winger opted to leave the Premier League champions for Chelsea, but he wanted to be playing on a regular basis and the decision has paid off.

Palmer has had a very impressive first season at Stamford Bridge and he is getting his rewards, having been called up to England’s senior squad for the second time this campaign.