Alan Shearer feels Mauricio Pochettino has received unfair criticism at Chelsea
Chelsea star Cole Palmer earned rich praise from Alan Shearer for having the confidence and courage to score a crucial stoppage-time penalty against his former club Manchester City.
Palmer stepped up to slot home the spot kick in the 95th minute, salvaging a dramatic 4-4 draw for Chelsea against the reigning champions. The 21-year-old faced immense pressure taking the penalty against City, who he left for Chelsea in a £42.5 million deadline day deal this summer.
On The Rest Is Football Podcast(h/t Football.london), Shearer lauded Palmer for embracing the moment fearlessly.
There was no fear. The balls on him, it wasn’t arrogance, it was confidence. The belief to say give me the b”all will you? It was as calm as you like and what an unbelievable penalty. And then in his interview afterwards he said I don’t really practice them. I thought it was brilliant, absolutely magnificent.”
The Premier League legend added he was amazed by Palmer’s composure and self-assurance to dispatch the penalty so coolly against his former team in such a pressurized scenario. Still young, Palmer’s ability to remain cool under fire is a testament to his mental fortitude as a top-level star.
“It’s the courage I like. Can you remember a couple of weeks ago when he and [Raheem] Sterling were fighting over a penalty and he was like no, I am taking this? To take a penalty in the 95th minute, I am gutted.”
Shearer feels Palmer’s boldness and confidence are rare traits in one so young. His lack of fear in the big moments has them hugely excited about his potential. While City may regret selling such a gifted talent, Palmer’s ability to thrive under pressure at Chelsea proves he made the right decision in seeking regular playing time.
His early performances already suggest Palmer can become a Chelsea legend in his own right. Shearer clearly believes the sky is the limit based on the 21-year-old’s maturity and self-belief. In his 10 matches for the Blues, the young Palmer has scored four goals and provided two assists.
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