Gary Lineker sends two-word brilliant Cole Palmer verdict after Chelsea excellent performance against Everton

Gary Lineker sends two-word brilliant Cole Palmer verdict after Chelsea excellent performance against Everton

Gary Lineker has significantly praised Cole Palmer following the Chelsea star’s 29-minute hat-trick against Everton. The 21-year-old has endured a wonderful first season at Stamford Bridge with 32 goal contributions to his name prior to Monday’s clash against Everton.

The previous weekend, in the draw with Sheffield United, Palmer appeared to pick up an injury with an early substitution and Mauricio Pochettino confirming as such. However, he was included in the starting XI for the clash with the Toffees and his impact was felt immediately.

After just 13 minutes, Palmer superbly guided an effort into the back of the net following a swift one-two with Nicolas Jackson. Just five minutes later Palmer nodded home a loose ball after Jordan Pickford Jackson’s close-range attempt to put Chelsea firmly in control.

Palmer bagged a hat-trick against Manchester United earlier this month and he repeated that achievement against Everton with a stunning 35-yard lob after an error by Jordan Pickford.

In the immediate aftermath of his three goals, Lineker took to X (formerly Twitter) with a clear verdict on Palmer. He wrote: “He’s exceptionally talented is Cole Palmer [three clapping emojis].” Just before half time, Jackson added a fourth with a superb finish following a cross from Marc Cucurella.

Without Palmer, Chelsea would certainly be in a worse position than they already are despite being 16 points away from the Champions League qualification places. Playing in Europe is still very possible for the Blues next season though with an FA Cup semi-final to come against Manchester City this weekend.

With such a huge clash against his former club on the horizon, Palmer will undoubtedly want to perform well ahead of the final few weeks of the season where he could win the Premier League golden boot. Erling Haaland currently leads the way on 20 but Palmer is now just one behind following his trio of goals on Monday.