COLE PALMER is a man of few words but underneath his withdrawn demeanour lies a cheeky sense of humour.
Football fans were surprised to see Chelsea’s most gifted player arrive in the US for the Club World Cup sporting a face mask.
Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer made headlines ahead of the Club World Cup
Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca suggested Palmer has a cheeky sense of humour beneath his withdrawn demeanour
One of those disposable, blue mouth and nose covers that so many of us remember from the height of the Covid pandemic.
Of course, pictures of the England star covering his face triggered rumours that he was ill, the rest of the team were ill, or that he had extremely bad plane breath.
Thankfully for Chelsea fans and head coach Enzo Maresca, it seems all is well with his prized player.
The Italian explained: “To be honest, I saw him in the flight with the mask, but I didn’t ask. I think probably because he was not even a little bit ill. To be honest, I don’t know if it was even for a joke. He’s okay.”
For those who witnessed Palmer’s mono syllabic responses live on TV at the height of celebrations following the Conference League win last month, it’s refreshing and reassuring to learn that beneath his stone cold outward persona lies a wicked sense of humour.
Chelsea’s media officials might not agree so wholeheartedly though as the photo of Palmer standing aside from his team-mates as they ‘de-planed’ in Philadelphia last week, caused them a busy day answering umpteen phone calls as to why?
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FOOTBALL in the United States is a wholly different experience to back home.
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For starters, mention “football” and they think you are referring to large men in padded shirts lobbing a rugby shaped ball around.
So “soccer” it is. Additionally, there is no such thing as “Man of the Match” as Chelsea winger Estevao Willian found out.
The teenager is poised to join the Blues from Palmeiras later this summer but for now is representing the Brazilian giants at the Club World Cup.
Despite missing a good opportunity to score in the 0-0 draw with Porto, he was considered the best on the pitch. Even though Porto keeper Claudio Ramos made a stunning triple save during the game.
Nonetheless, Estevao got the nod but instead of being named as “Man of the Match” he was elected “Superior Player”. Another American-ese term we are going to have to get used to.
But the 18-year-old’s euphoria didn’t last long after his personal achievement.
When asked about the performance of his imminent arrival who cost £34million, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca seemed less than giddy at the prospect.
Maresca said; “I’m not thinking about it. I just answered the question that probably we need to do something in the wide area. Now if Estevao is doing well, we are happy. But in this moment he’s doing well for another team. Hopefully he can do well for us when he joins us.”
Hardly gushing praise is it?
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BLUE is the colour, unless you are part of the Chelsea team in the USA that is.
New for the Club World Cup is the “mint” green outfit that looks more like cold pea soup.
Everyone is sporting it, no doubt to drive sales over here and back home in the UK.
And while on some of the younger members of staff it doesn’t look half bad, for people of a certain age it’s hardly flattering.
Seeing the whole Chelsea entourage rock up at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Atlanta in identical garb was some sight.
And it’s coming to a Chelsea superstore near you very soon.
The colour is officially labelled “Jade Horizon” – yes, I kid you not.
All together now : “Jade Horizon is the colour, football is the game…” Tut tut. When will it stop?
Chelsea signing Geovany Quenda is shining at the Under-21 Euros
WITH all eyes on the Club World Cup for Chelsea at the moment, it’s easy to forget that the Under-21 Euros are also ongoing – and the Blues have plenty of talent taking part.
Wanted centre-backs Ismael Doukoure and Jorrel Hato are both in action in the tournament, but the man stealing the show has already penned a deal in South West London – Geovany Quenda.
After a good showing in Portugal’s tournament debut that ended in a draw, the talented winger stole the show in a 5-0 thrashing of Poland in which he scored twice and got an assist before being replaced at half-time.
He’s the youngest player at the tournament, and his performance has already got fans drawing comparisons between him and Estevao Willian.
The 18-year-old can play on the right, left or as a wing-back as he showcased for Sporting Lisbon last season, and was desired by Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United before Chelsea stole in and secured the deal.
Quenda will join in 12 months time and could cost the Blues up to £44million, which may just turn out to be great value for money if he can work his way into the first team.
Chelsea are at risk of repeating the same mistake they made with Kevin De Bruyne
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly needs to be careful with wonderkid Kendry Paez
SUCH is the story of Chelsea at the moment that they announced the signing of Ecuadorean midfielder Kendry Paez in 2023 from Independiente Del Valle and he is yet to play a minute for the Blues.
The wonderkid has been touted as a future Ballon D’or winner, but fans are concerned about how things may play out for him at Stamford Bridge.
Paez’ situation at Chelsea has become somewhat complicated as he expected to be playing at the Club World Cup before being left out of the squad, but travelling with the players to train in America.
He is expected to go on loan to Strasbourg next season, following in the footsteps of Andrey Santos before being given a chance to shine in the Premier League.
The worry is, that with Chelsea’s abundance of talent, particularly in his position where in future he could be competing with Cole Palmer, Estevao Willian, Geovany Quenda, Noni Madueke and more, that he will be a victim of the Blues’ system – or won’t see a clear pathway and force a move elsewhere.
This may well be Kevin De Bruyne 2.0 if the Chelsea hierarchy are not careful…
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A HAT TRICK of former Chelsea academy graduates could well be paying a visit back to Stamford Bridge this summer as part of an international tournament.
Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham all play for Italians AC Milan, who join Germans Bayer Leverkusen and the Blues a week before the Premier League season kicks off.
The trio form the spine of a team with defender Tomori, midfielder Loftus-Cheek and striker Abraham all enjoying strong connections with each other and with their former club.
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