BBC pundit Martin Keown says Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer is “one of the best young players in Europe” based on his current form.

In the top 5 European leagues, only one player who is 21 or under (Jude Bellingham) has made more goal contributions since the start of the season and Keown believes Palmer has all the attributes to make it at the highest level:

“This man is a rare talent. A joy to watch. He’s got everything. He oozes class with everything he does. You put him under pressure and he picks out a pass. He was the difference really [against Luton] between the two teams with his two goals and assist. He punishes you, he has everything in his game – the vision is there.”

“He would be a wonderful addition hopefully this summer for Gareth Southgate. I’d take him, without doubt. He’s one of the best young players in Europe with those statistics. He’s only just really started. He took that move away from Manchester City and he’s doing wonderfully well.”

Chelsea’s best summer signing

For all the excitement that surrounded the recruitment of Moises Caicedo and others, Palmer’s addition came slightly under the radar.

Some questioned the logic behind spending £42.5m on a player who could not get into Manchester City’s team, but he has proven to be one of the best signings of the Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital era so far.

Palmer’s performances have even surprised his manager

Fans were not the only ones caught off guard with regards to how well Palmer has performed. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has admitted he didn’t expect the England international to hit the ground running. Recently, though, he has even compared his talent to Angel Di Maria.

With 8 goals and 6 assists in 19 appearances for Chelsea so far this campaign, Palmer is certainly an early front-runner for the club’s player of the year award.