Cole Palmer didn’t think twice when asked to name the best English footballer of all time.
Cole Palmer’s rapid rise has been remarkable, and he has followed in the footsteps of past and present stars by performing impressively for both Chelsea and the England national team. Manchester City’s decision to sell the talented young forward for an initial £40 million in the summer of 2023 looks increasingly foolish each time he delivers another man-of-the-match performance.
The 22-year-old has scored 39 goals and provided 21 assists in 71 appearances at Stamford Bridge, establishing himself as Chelsea’s star player and thrilling fans with spectacular performances. He’s also made an impact on the international stage, netting two goals and providing one assist in 11 appearances. Many believe he deserves a bigger role in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Palmer is on the rise in English football, but there’s still a long way to go before he catches the legendary forward he considers the best English talent in football history.
Palmer Picks Wayne Rooney as England’s Greatest Ever Player
The Chelsea Star Looked Up to the Manchester United Icon
England’s Wayne Rooney seen frustrated during Euro 2016
In a Q&A with GOAL, Palmer was asked his opinion on various footballing matters, including who he believes is the best English player ever. The Chelsea forward answered:
“Wayne Rooney.”
Wayne Rooney electrified English football during his illustrious career, which included leading Manchester United to five Premier League titles and earning a reputation as possibly the greatest British player in Premier League history. The former England captain became United’s all-time top scorer, with 253 goals in 559 games, and was equally prolific on the international stage, scoring 53 goals in 120 appearances.
Wayne Rooney’s Career Stats
Club appearances: 763
Club goals: 313
England caps: 120
England goals: 53
Trophies: 16
The legendary striker was named the FA’s England Player of the Year four times, a distinction Palmer himself received last year for his exceptional performances for club and country. Palmer has openly stated that he grew up supporting Manchester United and admired Rooney (via Sky Sports):
“When I go back to the stadium (Old Trafford), it’s nice because I used to go and watch matches there. Rooney was my idol. I supported United, and he was the best player.”
Rooney’s inability to win a major international tournament with England is often used against him in debates about the country’s greatest-ever players. However, his transformation from a promising teenager at Everton to a global star at United was extraordinary, and his career trajectory shares similarities with Palmer’s development on the world football stage.
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer acknowledges the away fans after a victory at West Ham.