Martin Keown delves into the impact of Cole Palmer’s versatile play-style for Chelsea and highlights Leicester’s potential threats ahead of their clash.
Keown acknowledges Palmer’s bold decision to leave Manchester City in pursuit of regular playing time at Chelsea.
Despite being nurtured by City, Palmer’s confidence was evident as he made crucial contributions in the Community Shield and Super Cup at the season’s onset.
In his column on Daily Mail, Keown recognizes Palmer’s immense talent and determination to represent England at Euro 2024.
Reflecting on his own experience with Nicolas Anelka’s departure from Arsenal in 1999, Keown empathizes with City’s sentiment as they watch Cole flourish in a Chelsea jersey.
While reluctant to see Anelka leave, Keown hoped for his success at Real Madrid, mirroring his wishes for Palmer’s continued growth at Chelsea.
Arsenal legend emphasis on Palmer’s position
Keown emphasizes Chelsea’s illustrious history of trophy success and sees Chelsea’s midfielder as a catalyst for potentially revitalizing those glory days.
He praises Cole’s effectiveness on the right wing, where his ability to cut inside onto his favored left foot creates havoc for opposition defenses, particularly with support from overlapping full-back Malo Gusto.
In discussing Chelsea’s midfield, Keown lauds Conor Gallagher’s evolution into a pivotal playmaker at the No. 10 position.
He highlights Gallagher‘s improved passing accuracy and composed finishing, essential attributes for Chelsea’s aspirations in the FA Cup, a competition crucial for securing European football.
Martin Keown previews Chelsea game
Looking ahead to Leicester’s threat, Keown identifies their wingers as potential game-changers.
He singles out Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu as players capable of inflicting damage on Chelsea’s defense.
Despite Jamie Vardy’s absence due to injury, Keown stresses Leicester’s intent to field a strong lineup, aware of the opportunity to exploit Chelsea’s vulnerabilities before the international break.
In summary, Keown’s analysis offers insights into the midfielder’s impact on Chelsea’s attacking prowess and Leicester’s strategies to unsettle their opponents.
With quotes intact, Keown provides valuable commentary on the tactical nuances and key players shaping the upcoming fixture.
