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Maresca has hailed Palmer’s willingness to step up in challenging situations, similar to Salah’s role at Liverpool.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has likened forward Cole Palmer’s influence on his team to that of Liverpool’s prolific goal scorer, Mohamed Salah.

Maresca’s comparison extends beyond mere goal and assist numbers as he highlighted Palmer’s willingness to step up in challenging situations, similar to Salah’s role at Liverpool.

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What Maresca said

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“He [Palmer] is improving a lot but not just in terms of numbers of goals and assists,” Maresca said in his press conference.

“The second half against Wolves for me was one of the best moments since I arrived here. He was showing personality, he was asking for the ball in any moment that the team needed it.”

At Stamford Bridge, Central Cee who has a hit with Nigeria’s Asake’s teams up with Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella.

He continued, “Liverpool when they have some [tough] moments, Salah is asking for the ball. Arsenal when they have some problem, [Martin] Ødegaard is asking for the ball.

“We need that kind of player when we are in some difficult moments, who is turning to his teammates and saying ‘Give me the ball, don’t worry, I will be in charge.’ This kind of personality that we have to show in difficult moments. Against Wolves in the second half, he was top.

“Having so many options there I think it was difficult for Pep to give Cole minutes. No one at City was thinking that Cole was not good enough. Everyone was sure that he is a top player. The problem was that if Cole played then Phil Foden has not to play, or [Kevin] De Bruyne. It’s a matter of balance and a matter of decisions,” Maresca explained.

Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in September 2023, has become a key figure for the Blues. He scored 22 league goals last term under Mauricio Pochettino and has added 14 more this season, along with six assists.