Players and pundits react as Cole Palmer goal saves Manchester City in UEFA Super Cup - 'This guy is incredible'

Players and pundits heaped praise on Cole Palmer after his goal drew Manchester City level with Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup and sent the contest to penalties.

In the absence of Kevin de Bruyne, who could be out for up to four months, it was 21-year-old Palmer who stepped up to the plate after City fell behind to Youssef En-Neysri’s bulleted header in the 25th minute.

En-Neysri should have doubled Sevilla’s advantage in the second half and Palmer made them pay in the 63rd minute, calling for Erling Haaland to leave Rodri’s delivery before floating an exquisite header over Yassine Bounou.

Kyle Walker’s penalty proved decisive but the City skipper paid tribute to Palmer in the aftermath of the club’s first UEFA Super Cup triumph and tipped him to get better.

“Listen, this guy is incredible,” Walker told TNT Sports. "And he’s got good players to learn off and probably the best manager in the world.

“He just needs to keep going and keep his feet on the floor, which he does really well and keep scoring the goals.

“He’s got one in the Community Shield and one in the Super Cup now, so if he keeps improving – keep listening to me behind you – you’ll be fine.”

Jack Grealish also singled out Palmer's performance, adding: "Cole Palmer was brilliant tonight, another goal from him and a great finish.

"That’s what you’ve got to do as a young lad. I was in that position myself at Aston Villa years ago and you’ve just got to try and perform when you get the chance and he’s certainly done that in the last few days.

"He’s such a nice kid, honestly, he’s a brilliant guy. I’m so happy for him the way he’s started this season."

TNT Sports pundit and former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was impressed with Palmer's laid back demeanour, insisting there are only a select few who are able to take such an approach at such a high level.

"He walks about so relaxed," Ferdinand said. "I was so focused on what I was doing [when I played] but he has a relaxed approach to the game and only certain individuals can do that.

"He’s doing that at the top level at a club that’s competing for trophies."

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