Cole Palmer: Chelsea playmaker inspires Conference League final win

It was fitting that Chelsea won their first trophy under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital through the magic of their most significant signing - Cole Palmer.

Among the £1.7bn worth of talent brought in, albeit with sizeable player sales balancing the books, they have unearthed several gems.

None, however, have been as important as Palmer, a £37.5m signing from Manchester City.

After a dismal first half in Wednesday's Conference League final against Real Betis, during which 33-year-old midfield playmaker Isco dazzled, Palmer came to the fore.

He outshone even the Spain international - 10 years his senior - to spark a comeback and a 4-1 win.

"Cole Palmer is an absolute genius," former Chelsea winger Joe Cole said on TNT Sports. "We don't produce these players. They don't fall off trees.

"He took the game by the scruff of the neck and there are not many players in world football that can do what he does."

Trailing to Abde Ezzalzouli's early goal, the second half became the Palmer show.

He danced around Ezzalzouli before his inswinging cross was met by Enzo Fernandez to make it 1-1, before spinning Jesus Rodriguez to cross for Nicolas Jackson to chest home the second goal.

"Cole Palmer has delivered and that's the difference," former Blues goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "Palmer is a young player, but has an incredible amount of maturity. He led this side and dictated that second half."

West Ham forward Michail Antonio added on TNT Sports: "The game was lost until Cole Palmer decided to turn up. He got on the ball, kept asking for it, demanding it.

"Two unbelievable balls, two unbelievable goals. What a player."

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