Cole Palmer set Club World Cup target as Chelsea star bids to go global
Cole Palmer didn't play on Chelsea's pre-season tour of the USA last summer, but his manager Enzo Maresca believes the Club World Cup is the perfect stage for him to show his talents
Enzo Maresca believes Cole Palmer will prove that he belongs on the world 's biggest stage.
The England star has been sensational for Chelsea since joining from Manchester City and was instrumental in Chelsea's UEFA Conference League success.
Palmer provided two assists to turn the game around against Real Betis in the final – where he was named Man of the Match – to underline his quality as a game-changer on the biggest occasion.
The likes of Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe are here at the Club World Cup in the United States.
And Chelsea boss Maresca, who knows Palmer from their days working together at City's academy, believes that the forward is ready to step up and shine this summer.
'I've said it more than once: Cole Palmer is up there with the best players who can produce something at any moment, create something out of nothing,' said Maresca.
'He wasn't with me on the USA tour last summer, so it will also be a chance for him to experience the environment there and to introduce himself to North America.'
Palmer is Chelsea's big hope and is also blossoming as a huge player for England after becoming a regular at Stamford Bridge in the past couple of seasons.
Maresca has embraced Palmer's talent and the England star played a huge part in Chelsea finishing the season on a high.
Chelsea won the Conference League while they also qualified for the Champions League next season, a statement of intent for the club.
Maresca is looking forward to the Club World Cup as he believes it will be a big chance for Chelsea to show they belong with the best. Chelsea play their opening match in Group D against Los Angeles FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday evening.
Maresca said: ' Football unites people and in this competition, considering that there are so many cultures involved, it will also unite many cultures. Football unites people in terms of both emotions and circumstances.
'I'm happy, especially because it's a tournament that brings together the top 32 teams in the world. It's exciting to take part in such a huge competition. And you also have the opportunity to face other top coaches and some world class teams.
'We were there – in North America – last summer, and it was great. There were so many fans there and it will be another opportunity for them to come and watch us and for us to meet them. It will be a great occasion.
'The fans in America were spectacular from the beginning. As far as culture is concerned, Brazilian fans usually create a great atmosphere, it's part of their culture. They are usually happy and incredibly entertaining.
'So with their football culture coming together with ours, hopefully we'll be able to ensure that the people who come to watch the game at the stadium have a great time.'
But Maresca is also adamant that Chelsea are not going to make up the numbers – they believe they can win the trophy. After Monday, they face further fixtures in Group D with Flamengo and ES Tunis.
Maresca added: 'When you are at Chelsea your goal is always to win. So, our goal – each and every game – will always be to try to win.'
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