Joleon Lescott hails Cole Palmer as ‘an exceptional talent’ after Manchester City youngster continued impressive start to the season with a goal against Sevilla in the Super Cup
Cole Palmer hailed as ‘an exceptional talent’ by his England U21 coach Joleon Lescott after continuing his impressive start to the season with a goal against Sevilla… while Rio Ferdinand praises the young winger’s ‘relaxed approach’
- Joleon Lescott praised Cole Palmer after his goal against Sevilla in the Super Cup
- Palmer made an encouraging performance and pushes for more minutes
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Joleon Lescott has hailed Cole Palmer as ‘an exceptional talent’ after the prospect found the net for Manchester City in their Super Cup success against Sevilla.
City were 1–0 down, but Palmer equalized in the 63rd minute with a header from a Rodri cross. After the game finished 1–1, City triumphed on penalties to lift the trophy.
It was an encouraging start to the season for Palmer, who scored an outstanding goal for City against Arsenal in the Community Shield.
Lescott admitted Palmer still has some development to do, but stressed he is very confident in the 21-year-old’s ability.
The pair teamed up as the England Under-21s won the European Championship this summer, with Lescott as coach.
Joleon Lescott praised Cole Palmer after his goal against Manchester City in the Super Cup
Lescott believes Palmer is capable of taking things a step further after Riyad Mahrez’s departure
Speaking on TNT Sports, Lescott said, “The skill is something that will never be questioned. He is someone who is highly respected in the football world. When we were gone there were a lot of players at big clubs with probably bigger reputations at the moment who knew how good Cole is and respected what he can bring to a team.
‘We saw that tonight. We talked about getting that experience, understanding when the ball is going to fall to the back post. He did that in the second half and scored a goal.’
“Like any young player, you have to give them time and understand that they won’t always get it right. Cole Palmer isn’t going to score every week.
“There will be opportunities when he has to learn how to fail and how to get through that adversity and become a top professional to match his abilities because once he puts those two things together he will be unstoppable because he is an exceptional talent.’
Rio Ferdinand praised Palmer’s confidence, stating that the youngster’s “relaxed approach to the game” is an indication of the quality he possesses.
Ferdinand said, “One thing he does not lack, and that is confidence. Obviously he and Joleon have a good relationship, he walks out of this, he jokes. During the warm-up I didn’t look at anyone because I was so focused on what I was doing but he has a relaxed approach to the game that only certain individuals can do and he’s doing it at the highest level at a club that’s compete for trophies.”
City need extra options following Riyad Mahrez’s departure to Al-Ahli and Lescott thinks Palmer is certainly capable of taking things a step further.
Lescott also stated that Palmer’s recent showings mean he will definitely not be leaving City on loan this summer.
Rio Ferdinand praised the ‘relaxed approach’ City youngster Palmer has to the game
Lescott: ‘He certainly has the ability (to step up). The consistency will come with that, because to do it at such a young age at 21.
“There are huge shoes to fill with Riyad, he has contributed to winning titles all his career so I am sure Cole wants to do that. There has been speculation that he might leave to get more playing time, but after his recent performances I don’t think he’s going anywhere.’
