Tosin Adarabioyo shares what Raheem Sterling told him about Cole Palmer after watching him at Man City

Cole Palmer: Chelsea’s Rising Star with Raheem Sterling’s Stamp of Approval

A Familiar Connection Between Sterling and Palmer

Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling share a history that dates back to their time at Manchester City. Having also played together at Chelsea, the bond between the two has grown stronger, with Sterling being one of Palmer’s earliest supporters.

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Former Manchester City defender Tosin Adarabioyo recently revealed a conversation he had with Sterling years ago about Palmer’s exceptional talent. This highlights Sterling’s keen eye for recognizing potential long before Palmer’s move to Chelsea.

The Recruitment Mastermind Behind Palmer’s Transfer

Palmer’s arrival at Chelsea was orchestrated by Joe Shields, the club’s co-director of recruitment and talent. Shields, credited for identifying young stars, played a pivotal role in bringing Palmer to Stamford Bridge. Former Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand also had a hand in hiring Shields, further emphasizing the strategic planning behind Chelsea’s transfer policies.

Sterling Always Knew Palmer Was Special

Palmer’s stellar performances last season surprised many, but not Sterling. The attacking midfielder contributed an impressive 40 goals and assists in 45 games, showcasing his attacking prowess.

Adarabioyo shared insights during an interview with Sky Sports:
“I remember Raz telling me years ago while he was still at City, ‘Cole is the truth.’ He went on to describe how Palmer’s skills in and around the box set him apart from other young players. Hearing that from Sterling, who’s played with the best, speaks volumes about Palmer’s potential.”

Sterling’s High Praise for Palmer’s Composure

Sterling has also lauded Palmer’s ability to perform under pressure. Known for his composure, Palmer has become Chelsea’s go-to penalty taker. Sterling spoke about Palmer’s crucial last-minute penalty against Manchester City during the 2023/24 season:
“Cole took the penalty really well. Fair play to him, he kept his head when we needed him the most.”

Since then, Palmer has maintained a flawless record from the penalty spot, scoring key goals in high-stakes matches, including Chelsea’s thrilling 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

A Star in the Making

Palmer’s influence extends beyond penalties. His goal-scoring and playmaking abilities were on full display in Chelsea’s recent outings, including their 2-1 loss to Fulham, where he earned a spot in a statistical team of the week.

As Sterling continues his loan spell at Arsenal, he might not witness Palmer’s growth firsthand anymore. However, Sterling’s early recognition of Palmer’s talent and his words of encouragement underline the young star’s bright future at Chelsea.