Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has praised Cole Palmer’s mentality after he scored a hat-trick against Manchester United on Thursday evening.

The 21-year-old scored a penalty deep into added time to equalise for the Blues before his deflected shot secured the three points just a minute later. Speaking about Palmer‘s qualities after the match, Pochettino said:

“One of his best skills is his mentality, his capacity to deal with the pressure. He’s young, I think it’s his first season playing very consistently.”

“I think it’s amazing the way he deals with the pressure. He can be a very good player. If we talk today, it’s impossible to not say he’s a top player, no? But he can still do things to improve.”

Palmer’s record since moving to Chelsea has been outstanding

After joining from Manchester City for £42.5m at the end of the summer transfer window, the midfielder has hit the back of the net 19 times and provided 12 assists in 36 appearances.

That is a goal involvement every 1.16 games; a phenomenal return for a player who is still relatively inexperienced.

Will other Chelsea players follow Palmer’s lead?

The Blues made what has turned out to be an inspired decision to bring the England international to the club last year. His performances do demonstrate why gambling on young players can pay off.

Others, such have Malo Gusto, have also begun to flourish but, if Chelsea are to move further up the table, they need plenty more of their expensive signings to deliver the goods.

It is worrying that both Moises Caicedo and Benoit Badiashile made mistakes leading to goals against United. Some may say that youngsters need time to develop but, when you pay eight or even nine figures for a player, you do expect them to perform straight away. As Palmer has shown; age is but a number.