That old-school No.10, the player that everyone looks for, is a dying breed in the modern game, but Cole Palmer is that player for Chelsea' Tony Dorigo on the England star's throwback qualities

"When Chelsea shelled out 40 million to sign Cole Palmer from Manchester City at the start of the 2023/24 season, not everyone was convinced by the move. Some baulked at the price tag for such a young player who had shown promise at City, but not been able to nail down a regular starting place, while others believed it was a risk worth taking."

"Not a dream introduction, Dorigo admits. Nobody could have foreseen the impact he was about to have. It wouldn't take long for Palmer to establish himself, with the arrival of Enzo Maresca in 2024 - one of his former Manchester City coaches - helping him hit new heights. Part of Palmer's success comes from his individuality on the pitch, Dorigo believes, with the 23-year-old something of a throwback."

Chelsea signed Cole Palmer from Manchester City for 40 million at the start of the 2023/24 season. Initial reactions included skepticism due to the transfer fee and Palmer's lack of a regular starting place at City. Palmer has scored 45 goals in 101 appearances for Chelsea so far. His start at Stamford Bridge was slow, with his first three Premier League appearances coming from the bench while the team managed one point without scoring. The arrival of Enzo Maresca in 2024, a former Manchester City coach, helped Palmer reach new heights. Tony Dorigo praises Palmer's individuality and describes him as a throwback to players from the 1980s and 1990s.

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