Gary Lineker makes bold claim about Cole Palmer after history making performance against Brighton



Gary Lineker has made a bold claim about Cole Palmer following his performance in Chelsea’s win against Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

Palmer was outstanding against the Seagulls as he scored all four of Chelsea’s goals in their 4-2 win, with the pick of the lot a superb free-kick.

The England international took his tally to six goals for the season and only Erling Haaland has scored more at this stage.

Lineker makes bold Palmer claim

Chelsea have had a good start to the season and currently sit fourth after six games with 13 points, just two points behind Liverpool at the top.

The Blues added to their attacking ranks over the summer with the additions of Joao Felix, Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto in an attempt to take some of the burden off Palmer.

Despite those additions and the supporting cast stepping up in the first few games, Palmer is still very much Chelsea’s main man, and he created Premier League history by becoming the first player to score four goals in the first half of a game.

Palmer scored his third Chelsea hat-trick against Brighton. (Photo by PA Wire)

The question surrounding Palmer heading into this season was could he replicate or even better his achievements from the last campaign and the early evidence suggests he absolutely can.

The 22-year-old was used sparingly by Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024 with many suggesting he should have seen more minutes and Lineker has now claimed he might be the best player England have.

“Every time I see him, he takes my breath away, an extraordinary footballer,” Lineker said on Match of the Day.

“Of all the talented players England have got, he might be the best of the lot.”


 

England are blessed with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka so it’s high praise indeed from Lineker, but on current form it’s hard to argue against him.

Palmer will have the night off against Gent in the Europa Conference League on Thursday as he’s been left out of the squad for the league phase, but he will return when Chelsea host Nottingham Forest on next Sunday.