‘Like a cheat code’ - Cole Palmer could star on any stage claims former Man City coach

Cole Palmer has taken the Premier League by storm this season. Twenty goals in 27 games, incredibly, sees the Chelsea star sit joint top scorer with Erling Haaland and among the favourites for Player of the Season.

It’s an unbelievable progression from a player who last term didn’t start a single league game until Manchester City had wrapped up the title in May, and a lack of play time meant Palmer felt he had no alternative but to depart last summer.

It was a brave decision from the Wythenshawe lad, who joined City at the age of eight. But he now offers the club’s youngsters a perfect example of how players can succeed without establishing themselves in City’s supremely talented squad.

Ben Wilkson knows more than most about the challenges facing the club’s youth-team protegees. The Under-18 coach worked closely with Palmer at underage level and witnessed his development from gangly teen to honed senior star. But even he has been taken aback by his remarkable maiden campaign in west London.

“I don't think I could have sat here in August and said he would be the top goalscorer,” Wilkinson told ManchesterWorld. “On the other hand, you did know how good he could be. 

“The last year or so he played for the under-21s, I used to think it was like having a cheat code on the Playstation. He was so far above the level it was untrue. You always hoped he could transfer it into a first-team environment.”

Palmer’s 2023/24 campaign began with a match-winning goal for City at Wembley and on Saturday the 21-year-old will come face to face with his former team in an FA Cup semi-final, hoping to end their hold over a trophy he helped them claim last season.

The enormity of that could overwhelm most players, but not Palmer, who joined a £1bn squad and quickly established himself as the main man. His composure and self-belief have been clear for all to see, with an injury-time penalty to earn a point against City in November among the season’s highlights.

“When you get to know him he has got that big-stage mentality,” explained Wilkinson. “We've seen it numerous times this year and you probably wouldn't expect it when you look at him, but he's not fazed by anything.

“He could go and play in a Champions League final and still be the guy who makes the difference. He wants the big games and he wants the ball all the time. He doesn't care if it's a penalty or free kick. 

“The thing Cole has to back it up is that his technical ability is unbelievably high and that shouldn't be underestimated. 

“His finishing in and around the box, once he gets on that left foot and the goal opens up - you've seen it enough times to know there's a good chance this ends up in the back of the net. Of course surprised, but also it's nice to see the success he's had because it reaffirms your opinion that he was as good as we thought.”