Former Chelsea winger, Joe Cole, has tipped his former club to lift the UEFA Champions League trophy this season, despite their inconsistent domestic form.
Speaking during an interview, the ex-England international praised Cole Palmer, describing him as the most influential player the Blues have had in years, comparing his impact to that of club legend Gianfranco Zola.
“If Cole Palmer would have been injured 18 months ago, the whole of the Kings Road would have been crying tears because he was that influential,” Cole said.
“I’ve never seen a player for many years be that influential on a Chelsea team since probably Zola.
The team’s been built around him nicely, so I think Chelsea will be fine.”
Palmer has been sidelined with a groin injury and is expected to be out until late November, but Cole remains optimistic about the team’s prospects both domestically and in Europe.
The former Premier League star argued that while the Premier League title might be beyond Chelsea this season due to fierce competition, the Champions League offers a more realistic path to glory.
“They’re more likely to win the Champions League. As mad as it sounds, it’s slightly easier to win the Champions League,” he added.
“You can have a run at it, get lucky in three or four games. To win the Premier League takes consistency, but Chelsea can beat anyone on their day.”
Chelsea bounced back from their opening 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League with a victory over Benfica, keeping their European hopes alive.
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