‘A super, humble guy’ – Enzo Maresca says Cole Palmer’s personality remains unchanged from Man City days to rise to Chelsea hero

Palmer etched his name into the Premier League record books during Chelsea's recent 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion by becoming the first player in the competition’s history to score four goals in the first half of a match. With this win, the Blues moved within just one point of Arsenal and Manchester City and two points adrift leaders Liverpool.

Current Chelsea boss Maresca has known Palmer for a long time. The Italian worked closely with the England international while in charge of Manchester City’s Under-23 squad and later as an assistant to Pep Guardiola. The manager has witnessed Palmer's growth and his rise to superstardom at Stamford Bridge but emphasised that despite the spotlight shining on him, the forward has not allowed success to change him.

“I said to Cole that he scored four goals, but he could have scored two or three more,” said Maresca after the match. “It’s good that he continues to be hungry, ambitious. I know Cole from many years ago, I had him for one entire season with the under-23s at Manchester City. The best thing he has is that in the way he is today as a boy, he was three or four years ago. So goals, assists, best player of the Premier League — this doesn’t change who he is. He is a simple guy, a humble guy, and this for me is the most important thing.”

"He is a top player," Marseca added. "Today in football, young players change very quickly. They score one goal and think they are already (a star). Cole scored many goals, many assists, he’s a top player but he never changes, and that is the most important thing."

“Already in his life, many good things happened as a professional to give him the chance to change, but he didn’t change. That means he is probably always going to be the way he is. He is a special player, a super guy, a humble guy. He doesn't need to tell people how good he is.”

Palmer’s breakthrough came after he made the move from Manchester City to Chelsea last summer. His stellar 2023-24 season earned him the PFA’s Young Player of the Year award, a prestigious recognition for his standout performances. Palmer’s rise to prominence also led to his inclusion in England’s squad for Euro 2024, where he managed to score in the final - a losing effort to Spain.

As Chelsea look to maintain their strong form, Palmer will be pivotal in their upcoming matches. The Blues are set to face Belgian side Gent at home in the Conference League on Thursday. Following that, they will return to Premier League action on October 6, when they host Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.