'Fighting with Haaland': Moises Caicedo makes brilliant Cole Palmer prediction and sets target

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo says Cole Palmer will end this season "fighting with Erling Haaland” for the Premier League Golden Boot, following the England international’s strong start to the campaign.

Palmer has already scored six goals in seven games this season, and last tern he netted 22 league goals. To put that into perspective, not even the mighty Diego Costa managed that for Chelsea in the league. You’d have to go back to the 2009/2010 season, when Didier Drogba scored 29 and Frank Lampard got 22, to find similar numbers.

Caicedo, who trains and plays alongside Palmer, says his gift is his instinct for goals, and he believes Palmer will compete with Haaland again for the Golden Boot. He told ESPN in Ecuador: "He smells the goals. It helps a lot when he scores, when he opens the games. He is very important to us. It helps us settle games very early. He's going to be there fighting with Haaland."

Caicedo's form in the last two games has dipped slightly, but he’s thrived under Enzo Maresca, sometimes taking on more complex tactical roles, like dropping into defence against Crystal Palace or helping to build attacks against Bournemouth.

He says he’s adapting well and is focused on helping the team qualify for next season’s Champions League. He added: “Last season was a learning experience. We are focused on doing things very well, and the coach asks us to play to our strengths. Our goal is to qualify for the Champions League. We are happy with how we’ve started the season, and hopefully we can be in the next Champions League.”

Caicedo also praised his midfield partner Enzo Fernandez, admitting he enjoys playing alongside him. When asked about the Argentine, he said: "I get along very well with Enzo. We communicate well on the field, and it shows. We are understanding each other more and more as we play more games together."

Both Enzo and Caicedo have long journeys for international duty, with flights from London to Ecuador taking around 14 hours. Chelsea will be hoping they return in time and are ready for the upcoming Premier League game with Liverpool.