Chelsea star Cole Palmer underwent a ranking exercise of youngsters.
Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer ranked Lamine Yamal as the top wunderkind in the sport, as he praised the Spain international for his immense quality.
Yamal, 17, has had a meteoric rise since making his debut for Barcelona as a 15-year-old. Last term, he had a season for the history books, as he broke numerous records, as well as led La Roja to the European Championship.
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This meant he won nearly all young player awards for last year, most prominently from FIFA, the Ballon d'Or, UEFA and Globe Soccer.
What Palmer said
Hence, when the Chelsea ace was asked to rank young players, he wasted no time crowning Yamal as king. He placed Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo in second place and Leipzig’s Xavi Simmons in 3rd.
Palmer faced Yamal in the Euro 2024 final, where the Barcelona star assisted Spain's opener. The Chelsea midfielder came on to equalise for England, but a Mikel Oyarzabal strike ensured La Roja lifted their fourth title.
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The 22-year-old admitted to not having watched Yamal a lot, but he recalled the winger's performance against the Three Lions; a sensational showing in his eyes.
"Why Lamine Yamal first? He’s 17. Mad innit? I didn’t really see much of him in that season but when we played against him in the Final of Euro. Like just to watch him… [he’s] mad, he’s so good. It’s just crazy."