Frank Lampard delivers bold Cole Palmer Chelsea verdict as Man United stance speaks volumes

Chelsea legend and former midfielder Frank Lampard believes Cole Palmer is the best player in the Premier League at the moment.

It's been a strong start to the 2024/25 season for Enzo Maresca's side as they entered Sunday's clash against Manchester United with five wins from their opening nine matches. They have suffered just two league defeats this term against Liverpool and Manchester City, and drawn a further two against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.

Palmer has been at the centre of every positive thing at Chelsea this season with seven goals and five assists in just nine league games. In the previous campaign, he scored a staggering 27 goals across all competitions, and he registered 15 assists in that time.

The 22-year-old has been a resounding success at Chelsea following his move from league rivals Manchester City in the summer of 2023. His performances last term earned him a senior England debut in November last year, and he was part of Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad for Euro 2024.

Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Chelsea's clash with United on Sunday, Lampard explained why he feels Palmer is the standout performer in England at present. The former manager didn't go as far as saying the winger has carried the team at times, but emphasised he is often the difference maker for Chelsea.

"I think he is the best player in the League," Lampard said. "What he is delivering, in terms of goals and assists, in terms of his importance to the team. [He is] beautiful to watch, receives the ball in any area, knows what he is going to do with it next.

READ MORE: Jose Mourinho ghosts ex-Chelsea star's phone call following managerial success

READ MORE: Eden Hazard shows true Chelsea colours with six-word message after rogue Tottenham move

"His execution of passes and finishes is absolutely top level and there were times last season where, you wouldn't say he carried the team, but he was a difference in a difficult season for Chelsea and he unleashed himself and we all saw it. Now he has got better support acts around him."

Palmer is a product of Manchester City's academy having joined the club at under-eight level. He later made his first team debut under Pep Guardiola back in 2020 in a Carabao Cup victory over Burnley. He made 41 senior appearances in total for City, but opted to continue his career in London when he joined Chelsea for £42.5m back in 2023.

The left-footed attacker was a big positive in what was an otherwise underwhelming 2023/24 season for Chelsea under ex-manager Mauricio Pochettino. Chelsea finished sixth in the standings and qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League, so opted to swap Pochettino for Maresca early in the summer.