Chelsea FC currently sit 11th in the Premier League table, as the March international period approaches. It’s looking like another season without a trophy (although they did give Liverpool absolutely everything they could handle in the EFL Cup final) and a finish on the second page of the standings. But it hasn’t been all bad, as Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher have been balling out for the Blues in 2023-24.
Palmer, free from being buried down the depth chart at Manchester City, has found himself at Stamford Bridge.
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One can easily make the case that Cole Palmer has been the signing of the season in the Premier League. Turning to Gallagher, he’s provided leadership and intangibles at for the southwest London club, as a time that they desperately need it.
Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson discussed both players, and more, in a recent interview.
Johnson was asked by Squawka if Palmer can get the call-up for the England national team.
โYeah, possibly, like you say, heโs been world class,” Johnson answered.
“And at the moment, to be honest, Chelsea only look like scoring when heโs got the ball. So for him to sort of drag that team along almost single-handed, thatโs not easy to do. If he could do that in arguably a better team, then he definitely can do it on a bigger stage.
“So if you think about the other players right now, Grealish is injured, a few are not firing. So yeah, I think he would definitely be the first sub or in the front three. As long as he continues this form, heโs banging right on the door.โ
In regards to Gallagher, the transfer rumor mill continues to churn out content implying his exit is imminent. Johnson is against the idea.
โYeah, I think it would be a mistake,” Johnson replied to a query about Gallagher potentially leaving.
“You know, weโve had the chat loads of times and heโs always the one that keeps coming up in terms of being linked here and there and everywhere. But heโs arguably been one of their best players.
Johnson then pointed out how Gallagher has stepped in to fulfill the role of captain, and done an admirable job in doing so.
“Heโs wearing the armband,” the former Chelsea man continued.
“Heโs the one that sets the work rate standard, heโs Chelsea through and through. So, he definitely, for me, shouldnโt be one of those 14.โ
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor ofย The Sports Bank.ย Heโs also theย author of โTransatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,โ andย โNo, I Canโt Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.โ
He currently contributes to Ravens Wire, part of the USA Today SMGโs NFL Wire Network. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated,ย Chicago Tribune and the Washington Times.ย You can follow himย onย Twitter.
