Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has unequivocally named midfielder Cole Palmer as the finest player he has ever coached in his career.
Maresca Says Palmer is the Best Talent He’s Ever Coached
The Italian coach made the significant declaration during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, highlighting the 23-year-old’s exceptional talent above all others he has managed.
Maresca, who has worked with numerous talented players during his early coaching career, did not hesitate with his answer.
When asked to name the best player he has coached, he simply responded: “Cole Palmer“.
The Chelsea boss also took the opportunity to praise defender Marc Cucurella, identifying him as the most likeable player he has ever worked with.
The relationship and mutual success between Maresca and Palmer span several years. Their professional paths first crossed during Maresca’s time as an assistant coach at Manchester City, where Palmer was developing through the club’s youth ranks.
This history provided a foundation for their successful reunion at Chelsea following Maresca’s appointment as head coach in the summer of 2024.
Since his £40 million move to Stamford Bridge, Palmer has delivered outstanding performances, making Maresca’s endorsement easy to understand.
In 101 appearances for Chelsea, the English international has scored 45 goals and provided 29 assists, establishing himself as a pivotal figure in the team.
His current absence due to a groin injury has been a significant setback for the Blues, underlining his importance to the squad.
Palmer’s status as one of the world’s top attacking players received global recognition when he finished in eighth place in the recent Ballon d’Or award rankings.
This individual honor, coupled with the team’s success under Maresca—including a UEFA Conference League title and a FIFA Club World Cup victory in his first season—cements Palmer’s crucial role at Chelsea.
Maresca’s coaching career, though still in its early years, has already included a successful spell at Leicester City, where he guided the team to the Championship title and promotion before taking the Chelsea job.
Despite working with many skilled players throughout his journey, Palmer stands alone at the top in the eyes of his manager.
