Cole Palmer: The Rising Star of Chelsea and Dream Team

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A Standout Performance Against Tottenham

The latest display from Chelsea’s Cole Palmer was nothing short of sensational. The young talent racked up an impressive 25 points in Dream Team during the match against Tottenham, solidifying his status as one of the season’s standout performers. This 22-year-old has proven he can shine under pressure, even when aided by some questionable fouls from Spurs players Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr, which handed Chelsea two penalties.

More Than Just Spot-Kicks

While Palmer’s two penalties, including an audacious Panenka, were certainly eye-catching, they only tell part of the story. He also contributed significantly to Enzo Fernandez’s goal, earning a ‘fantasy assist’ from stats provider Opta. Palmer’s involvement didn’t stop there; he showcased his all-around game with four successful dribbles, four fouls won, three accurate crosses, and a commendable pass completion rate of 79%. His performance earned him the maximum five bonus points available for the match.

Leading the Pack in Points

By the end of the weekend, Palmer emerged as the top performer of Gameweek 14, finishing ten points ahead of his nearest competitor, Bryan Mbeumo. With an average of 11.1 points per game this season, he leads all players in this crucial statistic. Such numbers raise an important question for Dream Team managers: Should they break traditional strategies to accommodate this rising star?

Breaking the Rules for a Unique Talent

In Dream Team, managers typically aim to maximise their point-scoring opportunities by targeting players involved in as many fixtures as possible. The logic is simple: more games mean more chances to score points. However, Palmer’s extraordinary performance raises a dilemma. While he may not be the most frequent player on the pitch, his exceptional scoring ability makes him hard to ignore.

Managing Workload: A Double-Edged Sword

At the start of the season, many believed Palmer would be an essential asset, especially with the potential for extra points from European fixtures. However, Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, has chosen to manage Palmer’s workload carefully. He was not included in the European squad and did not participate in the Carabao Cup, which has kept him fresh for league matches. This strategy has paid off for Chelsea, but it leaves Dream Team managers pondering what could have been.

Remarkable Stats Amid Limited Game Time

Despite only participating in 15 matches this season, Palmer’s remarkable points-per-game average places him fourth overall, trailing behind big names like Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, and Bukayo Saka, who have all played at least 20 games. This is a testament to Palmer’s extraordinary talent and potential to be a game-changer in any match he plays.

The Midweek Fixtures: A Test for Competitors

As the midweek fixtures approach, there are seven relevant European matches scheduled. Yet, the question remains: how many players will replicate Palmer’s impressive 25-point haul? Son Heung-min, for instance, will need to score at least 13 points away at Rangers just to match Palmer’s score. This highlights the unique position Palmer holds in the Dream Team landscape.

Must-Have Player for the Festive Season

As we look ahead to Gameweek 16, when the focus shifts back to the Premier League during the busy Christmas and New Year period, it’s clear that Cole Palmer should be on every Dream Team manager’s radar. His ability to deliver points consistently, even with limited appearances, makes him a must-have asset as the season progresses.