Former Chelsea assistant Jody Morris has hailed Cole Palmer as a future superstar, comparing the young playmaker’s match-winning influence to that of club icon Eden Hazard ahead of his Champions League debut.
Cole Palmer is fast becoming the heartbeat of Chelsea’s new era — and according to former Blues assistant manager Jody Morris, the 23-year-old is already showing flashes of Eden Hazard’s game-changing magic.
Palmer was instrumental in Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph, delivering a sensational first-half performance against PSG that saw him score twice and provide an assist to help the Blues lift the trophy. The display capped off a stellar season for the England international, who continues to impress in high-stakes matches.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Morris didn’t hold back in his praise for the former Manchester City man. “For me, he’s a superstar already,” he said. “But I still think he’s got another level to go to, because I think you need to play in the Champions League for you to be considered the next level.”
Morris pointed to Palmer’s fearless mindset and ability to take responsibility in key moments — traits that made Hazard a Stamford Bridge legend. “There’s a few players that can do that. We were lucky enough to have probably the best to ever do that, Eden Hazard. Cole Palmer is in that same bracket.”
Palmer’s rise has been meteoric since his arrival at Chelsea. After becoming the club’s top scorer last season, he’s now expected to lead the line creatively in the Champions League under new head coach Enzo Maresca. With Chelsea returning to Europe’s top table after a season away, the pressure will be immense — but Palmer appears unfazed.
His starring role in recent finals, including the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup, has already shown his capacity to thrive under pressure. Now, the Champions League will offer him the platform to prove he belongs among Europe’s elite.
Maresca is building his side around Palmer, who has become Chelsea’s primary attacking outlet and a reliable match-winner. As the club aims to re-establish itself as a force in both domestic and European football, much will rest on Palmer’s shoulders — and if Morris is right, the best is yet to come.
