Cole Palmer told the one thing he must do to become 'the best player in Europe' as Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is hailed for giving England star 'so much freedom' this season

Palmer has been lighting up the Premier League again this season with Chelsea and already has 11 goals and six assists to his name in just 15 outings in the English top flight. The England star's performances have helped Chelsea into second place in the table above both Arsenal and Manchester City, while Palmer has been told he has the "X-factor" needed to win the Blues the title.

Maresca has also praised Palmer, calling him "not normal," after seeing the 22-year score two penalties - including a cheeky Panenka - against Tottenham last time out. Gallas has praised the new Chelsea boss for the way he has used the attacker this season but has warned the England international he has a way to go before he can be described as the best in Europe.

Gallas told Prime Casino: "Cole Palmer can be the best player in Europe but I don’t want to hail him as the best player in the game until he does what he has done for Chelsea with England. But he has already put in so many great performances for Chelsea and looks like he doesn’t feel any pressure at all, he is so cool. The two penalties summed him up, Enzo Maresca has given him so much freedom and allowed him to play exactly where is best for him which has worked so well."

Chelsea will have to cope without Palmer next time out in Kazakhstan when they face Astana as he is not part of their Europa Conference League squad. Palmer will return to action on Sunday with the Blues they take on Brentford in the Premier League.