Chelsea star Cole Palmer scored a very good goal against Newcastle United last night.

It was a brilliant strike from outside the box that put Chelsea 2-1 up, but what really impressed Gary Neville was how Cole Palmer was able to receive the ball in a tight space before firing it past Martin Dubravka.

The Manchester United legend, who was commentating on the game for Sky Sports (11/03/2024 at 21:17), claimed that it is a skill that only the “very best players” can do.

Palmer’s goal against Eddie Howe’s side was his 13th of the season for Chelsea. He was also involved in the opener after Nicolas Jackson turned in his shot.

Former Liverpool forward Michael Owen says he loves the way Palmer plays.

Cole Palmer emulating the very best

Neville thinks Palmer is proving to be up there after his turn and goal against Newcastle last night.

Talking about his strike, the Sky Sports pundit said: “Cole Palmer finds himself in a little hole, a little space in between Newcastle’s midfield and back line.

“There are four players around him, but he just turns and hits it, and the very best players can accept the ball in tight spaces on the half turn. And Cole Palmer can do that.”

Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Cole Palmer dangerous in the half spaces

Drifting in from the right-hand side, Palmer takes up some great positions on the pitch and is often deadly there.

In and around the half spaces, the England international is able to create chances and as we saw yesterday, even score.

He is just a really good attacker, instantly paying back the £45m Chelsea handed Manchester City to sign him last summer.

At the time, it seemed like a lot of money, though it was not something that actually bothered Palmer. However, fast forward to now and it looks like an absolute bargain. He has got to go down as one of the signings of the season.