Palmer the player to build a team around?published at 15:55 9 October 2024
Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesCole Palmer's form this season is a continuation of what he produced in his debut campaign at Chelsea following his move from Manchester City.
Since the start of 2023-24, Palmer has either scored or assisted 44 goals, more than anyone else in the Premier League.
While City striker Erling Haaland has scored considerably more goals - with 37 compared to 28 for Palmer - the Chelsea forward has chipped in with over triple the amount of assists - 16 compared to five for Haaland.
Palmer's overall contribution means some in the game believe a team should be built around him.
Former Arsenal, Chelsea and Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas said on the Planet Premier League podcast: "When someone is that special, when someone makes you see and feel that whatever happens in the team he is a game-changer, I believe [you can build a team around them].
"It is fair to say it could be the right thing to do, even if as coaches we hate to say this kind of thing because we want to protect the team and the collective.
"But when you have someone that good and with such an impact on the pitch, I think the team see that themselves and they want Palmer to get on the ball as much as possible.
"When he has the ball, it feels like everything is slow and everything becomes very clear in his eyes. He is able to play any pass at any angle on the pitch. I think it is possible when a player is that special to create a team around him."
