Cole Palmer: Rio Ferdinand, Martin Keown hail impact of 'magnificent' Chelsea striker - ‘Carry the club on his back’

Martin Keown and Rio Ferdinand hailed Cole Palmer’s impact on the Chelsea team this season, after seamlessly slotting into the side following his summer transfer from Manchester City.

Palmer has scored 25 times across all competitions for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, but missed Tuesday night’s match against Arsenal – live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - through illness.

“The number of goals he's contributed to is ridiculous,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports.

“For him to have the confidence to come out of Manchester City and go to Chelsea where it's a little bit disjointed and a bit of the unknown, and carry the club on his back this season the way he has, is formidable.

“For a young player to do that shows me that he has that personality and that character required. He looks a fabulous player.”

Ferdinand’s sentiments were backed up by Arsenal Invincible Keown, and highlighted that Palmer is above Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne in terms of goal involvements this season.

“I want to see Palmer in the summer; I'm quite happy he's not here tonight because he's been quite magnificent,” Keown added.

“Since Christmas, with the number of goal involvements, he's ahead of De Bruyne.

“Surely, he's going to be wearing an England shirt in the summer. Whether he starts or not, he's a fantastic person to add to that group of players.”

TNT Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist added to the plaudits for Palmer and re-emphasised the incredible campaign he has had in a Chelsea shirt.

"He's arguably been the player of the season, but what a signing he's been for Chelsea for the best part of £40 million; brilliant," he added.

The Blues head into the game against Arsenal on an eight-match unbeaten run in the Premier League since a 4-2 defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 4.

A victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s side would lift them up two places into seventh, and firmly in the race for European qualification.

Meanwhile, three points for Arsenal will move The Gunners three points clear at the top of the table before Liverpool and Manchester City play against Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion in the next two days.

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Arsenal v Chelsea will be live on TNT Sports 1 with coverage from 19:00 UK time on Tuesday, April 23 ahead of kick-off at 20:00.

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