Gianfranco Zola, Chelsea legend, has expressed admiration for Cole Palmer, highlighting his impressive performances since joining the club in 2023, where he has scored 25 goals and provided 15 assists in his debut season. Palmer has continued to excel this season with six goals and five assists in just nine appearances, showcasing his ability to entertain and make decisive plays. Zola also praised Chelsea's new manager, Enzo Maresca, for his positive impact, noting the team’s current fourth-place standing in the Premier League, while acknowledging the challenges of competing in English football. He believes Maresca is building a solid foundation despite the pressures of winning trophies. Both Zola and Chelsea's sporting director have high hopes for Palmer's future, with aspirations for him to win the Ballon d'Or. Overall, Zola sees a promising direction for Chelsea under Maresca's leadership.