I watch Cole Palmer every weekend, here are three things he does that no other Chelsea player can do

The awards keep coming for Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, as he was named England Men's Player of the Year last night, ahead of the likes of Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and even Champions League-winning Jude Bellingham.

Ironically, Palmer did not even start a game for England at the Euros, even though he scored in the final against Spain after coming off the bench and also provided the assist for Ollie Watkins’ goal against the Netherlands.

In what has been a tremendous last 12 months for Palmer, he left Manchester City without ever scoring a league goal for them and then grabbed 22 in his maiden season at Chelsea. He’s continued from where he left off last campaign, with six goals already this term. So, in a week where Palmer continues to rise as the face of Chelsea and the England national team, here are three things that make him the player he is:

Incredible shooting technique

Palmer’s fragile figure is likely to deceive opponents when it comes to the way he shoots, but he’s easily the best finisher at the club. He hits the ball so well that he’s had to admit he barely even practices finishing. Against Brighton, he added another string to his bow with a brilliant free-kick goal that will compete for Goal of the Month. The technique and power brought raw emotion from himself, and he admitted he just tried a few balls in training, but nothing serious, as he isn’t even the designated taker with Enzo Fernandez ahead of him.

Pressure is a privilege

He has the ability to come alive in situations where others shrink. When the stakes are high and other top players are hiding, that’s when he shines. Last season, one of his standout games was against Manchester United, where he scored the winner. The way he forced United into mistakes and eventually got the winner is the kind of thing only he can do.

And, of course, his penalty-taking ability is notable. Taking a lot of penalties can be tricky; with every attempt, there’s a chance you might miss one, but the wait for Palmer to miss continues. He’s even getting better, and when others have tried to get into his head before he takes a penalty, he proves time and time again that pressure just doesn’t faze him.

Always happy to assist

Palmer has assisted all the goals Noni Madueke has scored this season. He’s also assisted Jackson. You find players who are good at scoring, and then you find players who are good at assisting; Cole Palmer is brilliant at both. Every game, you leave Stamford Bridge knowing he could have more assists if his teammates were more clinical. There is a reason he is winning every award, and the answer is that he’s simply an all-around terrific footballer.