In a scenario that would be a nightmare for Pep Guardiola, former England manager Glen Hoddle has predicted that Cole Palmer will surpass Phil Foden in skill.
With nine Premier League matches, Palmer has already scored seven goals and provided five assists, spectacularly starting the season. At £40 million, the 22-year-old is an amazing deal, even if Chelsea has spent over £1 billion on players since the Clearlake Capital Group acquired the team in 2022.
During Euro 2024, he also excelled for England, equalizing in the final against Spain and contributing the game-winning assist in the semi-final. Foden, meanwhile, started the season slowly and has had trouble making an impression with the Three Lions.
Because they play the same position and because Guardiola decided to sell Palmer to the Blues last season, both players are already being compared to one another. Hoddle believes the City manager may come to regret letting him go in light of their performances.
“I’ve always rated Phil Foden as a top player,” Hoddle stated in an interview with the Stick to Football podcast. He hasn’t performed as well as I had anticipated at the Euros.
“I believe Foden has a unique skill, but it will depend on if he can replicate his performance at City while wearing an England shirt. Cole Palmer’s appearance is astounding.
He’s intriguing because, to me, he’s a player who plays on the playground if he doesn’t get involved with the game. He has the potential to surpass Foden in many aspects and become a superstar.
“Whether he can maintain that performance in the upcoming seasons is the question mark. We are all aware of what awaits him.
“There are many things he needs to overcome to be the superstar I believe he is, including the journey he’ll be taking with the ups and downs, injuries he might sustain, and dip in form.”
While Foden has already had to contend with injuries at the Etihad Stadium, Palmer has had a smooth start to life in west London thus far. Despite starting just two Premier League games this season, he has already scored two goals and provided an assist in three Champions League games.
Before City defeated Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final, Guardiola acknowledged that he wished to keep Palmer. The former City academy product wanted consistent playing time despite his best efforts.
“I told him to stay during preseason because Riyad [Mahrez] had left, but he said, ‘No, I want to leave.'” Guardiola stated. Well, what could I say after two seasons?
“I repeatedly stated that I did not give him the minutes he currently enjoys at Chelsea, which he may have desired and deserved. I fully comprehend that. He is a kind guy, therefore I’m glad for him. He is a terrific threat and is performing well.
