Cole Palmer: Chelsea player is a ‘reason people pay’ to watch football

Purists aside, football fans don’t go to a game to see zonal marking or a low defensive block.

They are going to be entertained, see goals and witness moments of magic. They’re going to see players like Cole Palmer.

“It’s the reason people pay,” Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said after another eye-catching performance from Palmer in Sunday’s 2-1 win against Newcastle.

“They want to see that type of player and we are very happy to have him here.”

The England striker scored what turned out to be the winning goal to continue his excellent form this season.

This was his seventh goal in nine Premier League games, but it wasn’t just his finish, beautiful as it was, that earned the 22-year-old even more praise.

Instead, it was an incredible 60-yard pass from inside his own half that sent Pedro Neto down the flank to provide the assist for Nicolas Jackson’s first goal of the first half.

Alan Smith, co-commentator of the match for Sky Sports, declared it “the pass of the season”, but those who analyzed it in the studio at half-time went further.

“‘This 60+ yard pass, I mean, it’s one of the best passes I’ve ever seen, never mind this season, but in the Premier League,” gushed former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.

“Take two or three players from Newcastle and then put them on a plate for Neto.”

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane added: “I love watching this kid.

“Even his awareness when he gets the ball, he knows exactly what’s going on, but then to execute the pass… perfect pass, you just run and he’ll spot you.”