Ignoring the London and Premier League rivalries for a moment, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has been one of the top performers in the Premier League this season.
Chelsea signed him from Manchester City, and what a success he has been! In 17 league games, he has made 13 goal contributions. Given his stats thus far this season, one could argue that he is almost certain to make the England Euros squad and will play a significant role. Some England fans are so sure of this that they have begun pushing the agenda that Palmer is better than our Bukayo Saka, and Gareth Southgate should consider starting him instead of our No. 7.
Darren Bent believes that despite the buzz around Palmer, Saka is still performing well, even if some believe he has been struggling. Of which, true to Bent’s claims (as you’ll see below), statistics imply Saka has been decent. In 28 games, the Hale End graduate has 9 goals and 11 assists; he is still enjoying a successful season. The ex-PL star believes Palmer should be in England’s Euros squad, but he doubts he will start ahead of Saka.
Bent said on talkSPORT, “Saka’s been doing well. Arsenal are up there; they’re fighting at the top of the table, so he’s been very good. I’m going to stick with Saka.
“I think he [Palmer] should go [to the Euros], but he’s never going to start ahead of Saka.”
For those who want Palmer to bench Saka, we get that you believe the Chelsea player is performing better, but playing in such a high-stakes competition requires experience and familiarity, which Saka possesses. In recent international duties,
Saka has made the England Three Lions’ right wing his own, just as he has at Arsenal. He has already demonstrated that he can be relied on to perform, and I believe Southgate recognises this. Don’t be surprised if Palmer spends the majority of his time on the bench if he makes the squad.
Darren N
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I’m a big fan of Saka, but quite frankly, this season he has been a flop. He has become so rigid, so monolithic and predictable anyone watching him for the first time would wonder what the hype is all about. Cole Palmer employs all he has in his arsenal. He dribbles, shoots and creates chances. Saka’s dribbling skills have been way below par. Martinelli, on the other hand is matching or surpassing Palmer with speed in addition to skill.
The ‘flop’ Saka has 6 goals and 8 assists in the Epl this season whereas Palmer has 9 goals (5 of which are penalties) and 4 assists. So even with penalty duties,Saka still has more goal contributions than Palmer. Saka is also joint leading goal contributor in the Champions League with 7 goals and assists. In terms of points won through goal contributions in the Premier League,Salah is first with 18,Son second with 14 and Saka is third with 13, putting him just above Haaland and Watkins with 11 each.Martinelli has 4 goals and 2 assists by the way so nowhere near Saka’s productivity. Saka is not the flashy kind of winger who prioritizes dribbles and tricks; but a very intelligent and efficient forward.
No.
Its Arsenal planning as opposed to Cole Palmer that will affect Saka than anything else.
Arsenal needed adding the mystery winger to the squad depth, enabling Saka to start a few less games hence keeping him fresh, the kid got talent just a little more cleverly handling he’s going explode.
Based on current form, yes. Based on Southgate’s usual behaviour, no. Palmer has been very good this season, and is a great prospect but he is still not as good as Saka, Foden, Bellingham or Rashford, and is merely on-par with Sterling. That said I think he deserves to play in a 3 behind Kane with Foden and Saka.
Yes, Saka is in serious danger of losing that RW spot to Palmer. And deservingly so. Saka is not a flop but rather Palmer’s excellent season at Chelsea. Palmer is burning up at that supporting striker role, often starting from the right. Saka had primarily played very defensive role this season, often covering for White on the right side of field. Palmer rarely tracks back and defend. So there is a saving grace for Saka for his case for the England spot. But Saka still can play at LB.
No, they could both go though.