Paul Merson made a bold prediction for Cole Palmer ahead of the new season
Paul Merson believes Cole Palmer will struggle to replicate last season's form and is unsure if the striker will hit 15 goals.
Palmer took the Premier League by storm following his deadline day move from Manchester City last summer, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists which earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Year award.
The 22-year-old has been rewarded for his excellent debut season with a new two-year contract with improved terms keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2033, with Chelsea announcing the deal on Tuesday evening.
Merson's warning of Palmer
Palmer played his first pre-season minutes for the Blues as he came on as a substitute in last Sunday's 1-1 draw against Inter Milan.
The Buccaneers will be expecting the Englishman to deliver again this season and they will face Manchester City in their opening game on Sunday.
However, Merson believes that this season could be difficult for Palmer and questioned the decision to give him a new contract.
“He's had an unbelievable season and he's a good player but this whole season [opposition] The team talk will be 'Let Cole Palmer play,'” he told Sky Sports.
“He has that now all the time. Now you're giving him a nine-year contract?
“I'm not sure [he will score 15 goals]. Last season he wasn't really there. This season he is marked.
“We've seen it a million times, like there [Emmanuel] Adebayor. He tore it up at Arsenal, got a new contract and was tagged.
“It will be difficult. If he gets 15 goals next season I'll be like “wow, fair play to you”. 15 is the most goals.”
It will be interesting to see how Palmer adjusts to the increased attention that will be on him from the opposition every game, but considering how he has done everything in his lane so far in his career it would be foolish to bet against him making an impact. and next season.
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