Joe Cole and Peter Crouch laud Cole Palmer in Chelsea's Premier League victory over Fulham - ‘Best player on the pitch’

Joe Cole and Peter Crouch heaped praise on Cole Palmer after his penalty sealed Chelsea a 1-0 victory over Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer was coolness personified in sending Bernd Leno the wrong way during first-half stoppage time, securing the Blues a third consecutive Premier League win for the first time this season.

“He got Joe and I off our chairs today, he was exciting and great to watch,” Crouch told TNT Sports.

“I love the way he brings the ball forward; he's always scanning the pitch and is a player that looks beyond his years.

“He’s got that swagger about him with his freedom and confidence; you know he’s going to put the penalty away. He’s a joy to watch.”

Cole believes Manchester City made an error in selling Palmer this summer and is backing the 21-year-old to make a big impact at Stamford Bridge in the years to come.

“Manchester City don’t usually make mistakes, but they have on this occasion,” Cole added.

“When you talk to Chelsea fans about who they're excited to see, they want to come and watch him. They're used to that at this club, they've seen players over the years that excite them and get them off their seats. Cole Palmer is going to be a massive player for this club.

“He takes responsibility and it was brilliant in the way he reacted from missing those chances against Middlesbrough.

“He came out today in the first 15 minutes he was the best player on the pitch, he was the difference maker.”

Cole is also backing Palmer to become an important player for England as well and says the forward has the confidence to shoulder the responsibility of playing at a major tournament.

“Sometimes you pick character above talent, because playing for England is on another level; it’s another step up.

“His talent is top-drawer anyway, but he has got the right character to play for England. He’ll go out in a World Cup or European Championship game and get on the ball, there will be no hiding.”

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.