Cole Palmer joins Frank Lampard and Eden Hazard as the fourth remarkable goalscorer in Chelsea’s history, akin to a Mount Rushmore of talent.

Cole Palmer: The Next Great Goalscorer at Chelsea?

In the world of football, there exists a wonderfully simple phrase in Spanish: “tiene gol.” Translated into English, it means “he/she/they have goal.” It’s remarkable that the English language lacks an equally succinct term to describe players with an innate ability to find the back of the net. Yet, when it comes to Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, there’s no denying that he possesses this elusive quality.

As Palmer approaches the one-year mark of his Chelsea career, it’s still early to draw definitive conclusions about the heights he might reach. However, one thing is abundantly clear: Palmer has the gift of goalscoring. This talent is difficult to quantify. Some players may rack up impressive goal tallies but fail to convince the footballing public of their prowess—Edinson Cavani is a prime example. In contrast, Palmer, despite being relatively new to the scene, instills a sense of calm whenever he’s in and around the penalty area.

So far, Palmer has netted 32 goals in 57 appearances for Chelsea. Last season, he finished as the second top scorer in the Premier League with 22 goals, just five behind the Golden Boot winner, Erling Haaland. This season, he has already scored seven, placing him among the league’s top scorers. While there are caveats—such as his tendency to score in bursts and his role in taking penalties—Palmer’s ability to find the net as a winger-cum-No. 10 is undeniably special.

Chelsea is arguably the perfect club for Palmer to showcase his talents. The Blues have a rich history of embracing goals from various positions, particularly in the 21st century, often from players who aren’t traditional strikers. The infamous No. 9 shirt has been worn by the likes of Khalid Boulahrouz, Steve Sidwell, and Franco di Santo, while the club’s all-time top scorer is midfielder Frank Lampard, with defender John Terry also featuring in the top 20.

Lampard is widely regarded as Chelsea’s greatest attacking player of the modern era, and depending on one’s view of Didier Drogba, the top three could also include non-strikers Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard. Even in the women’s team, the all-time top scorer is Fran Kirby, another player who is not a striker.

If Zola, Lampard, and Hazard are the Three Musketeers of Chelsea’s unique goalscoring legacy, then Palmer is their D’Artagnan, the fourth figure on Chelsea’s Mount Rushmore. While it’s early days, he embodies a blend of qualities reminiscent of these three legends.

Lampard’s Legacy: A Model for Palmer

Let’s start with Lampard, a pre-Roman Abramovich signing who came to define the Oligarch’s era at Stamford Bridge. Over 13 seasons, Lampard scored an astonishing 211 goals, reaching double figures in all but three campaigns. No central midfielder has ever come close to matching his goalscoring threat, and only five players in Premier League history have surpassed his tally of 177.

While Palmer and Lampard are different players, they share key similarities. Both have a knack for scoring crucial goals—Lampard’s memorable strikes include those that clinched titles and secured victories in high-stakes matches. Palmer, too, has already made his mark, most notably with the winner in last season’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Manchester United. When the team needs a goal, both players have shown a willingness to shoulder the responsibility.

Another similarity lies in their instinctive understanding of when to make a run. Palmer has an uncanny ability to position himself perfectly to capitalize on crosses or loose balls, a trait that echoes Lampard’s own goalscoring instincts. A comparison of their goals reveals a shared knack for finding space in crowded areas, leaving defenders bewildered.

Hazard’s Quick Thinking: A Shared Trait

Next, we turn to Eden Hazard, whose path bears intriguing parallels to Palmer’s. Both players were initially brought in as wide players with a focus on creating chances rather than scoring. Hazard’s transition to a prolific goalscorer in the Premier League was met with skepticism, yet he went on to score 110 goals in 352 appearances for Chelsea.

Palmer, too, has demonstrated his ability to contribute significantly in both scoring and assisting, with an impressive 33 goal contributions in his first season. Chelsea fans have often speculated about Hazard’s potential effectiveness in a central role, similar to Palmer’s early forays into the No. 10 position. While Hazard’s extraordinary dribbling skills set him apart, both players share a remarkable quickness of thought that allows them to exploit opportunities that others may overlook.

Zola’s Flair and Purpose: A Guiding Light for Palmer

Finally, we must mention Gianfranco Zola, whose influence on Chelsea cannot be overstated. Zola was known for his flair and creativity, but he also possessed a relentless drive towards success. This spirit is a common thread that connects Palmer to the club’s illustrious past.

Before Zola’s arrival in 1996, Chelsea had not tasted major success for decades. By the time he departed in 2003, the club had won multiple trophies, laying the groundwork for the winning culture that would flourish under Roman Abramovich. Zola’s legacy extended to Lampard, who played alongside him, and from there to Hazard, creating a lineage of excellence.

Now, as Chelsea navigates a challenging period, Palmer has emerged as a guiding light for the team and its supporters. He may not be the most vocal leader, but his performances set the standard for those around him. As he walks in the footsteps of Chelsea’s greats, Palmer has the potential to etch his name into the club’s history books, continuing the legacy of those who came before him.