Up there with Yamal, Mbappe, Dembele - Enzo Maresca wants Cole Palmer to light up FIFA Club World Cup

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has publicly backed star attacking midfielder Cole Palmer to illuminate the inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup and showcase his exceptional talent on a global stage.

The England international, who played a major role in Chelsea securing the Conference League trophy in late May, is now poised to lead the Blues' charge for a second piece of silverware this summer in the United States.

Palmer, who enjoyed a remarkable end to the club season, powering Chelsea to a convincing 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final with a dazzling second-half display that included two crucial assists.

His performances have drawn some praise, with former Chelsea midfielder Geremi even suggesting Palmer is capable of "carrying" the team to the Club World Cup title.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's Club World Cup opener against MLS side LAFC, Maresca, who previously worked with Palmer as a coach at Manchester City's academy, expressed his unwavering confidence.

Maresca believes Cole Palmer's talent is on par with the likes of Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, and Ousmane Dembele who enjoyed a stellar campaign with PSG, winning the treble, including the club's first-ever UCL title.

He said, "I've said it more than once: Cole Palmer is up there with the best players who can produce something at any moment, create something out of nothing.

"He wasn't with me on the USA tour last summer, so it will also be a chance for him to experience the environment there and to introduce himself to North America,” he added.

Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign begins on Monday, against LAFC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The Blues are in Group D alongside LAFC, Flamengo (Brazil), and Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia).

Following their opening match, Chelsea will face Flamengo on June 20 and Espérance on June 27, both at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.