Paul Merson claims ‘outstanding’ young England star is ‘like Dennis Bergkamp’ and says he ‘can break anybody down’
PAUL MERSON reckons the new Dennis Bergkamp is lighting up the Premier League.
Merse, 55, played with the legendary Dutchman for two years at Arsenal from 1995 to 1997.
So he witnessed Bergkamp’s incredible technical ability first-hand.
Now he sees similarities with Chelsea’s new £42.5million versatile forward.
Cole Palmer has earned plenty of plaudits for his performances since arriving from Manchester City and shone in the recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
And it is the way he can unpick defences that has particularly impressed Merson.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “When [Chelsea] face teams who don’t give them any space, they’ve only got Cole Palmer who can break anybody down.
“He was outstanding the other day [against Brentford].
“He was like the Dennis Bergkamp of Arsenal for Chelsea, the amount of opportunities he made.”
Palmer, 21, came through the youth ranks at the Etihad but, with first-team opportunities limited, made the shock switch to Chelsea in the summer transfer window.
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It has not all been plain sailing off the pitch for Palmer, who admitted he needed help to use a washing machine in his new place in London.
However, on the pitch, he has been a sensation.
The England Under-21 star, who can play in various attacking roles, has chipped in with two goals and three assists for his new team.
One of those goals came when he slotted a penalty away against the Gunners after rowing with Raheem Sterling to take it.
And he will be hopeful he can make a splash again on Monday when Chelsea travel across the capital to face high-flying Tottenham.
Merson, though, believes Mauricio Pochettino’s men can spring a surprise against his former team – despite their completely different fortunes so far this season – and Palmer could be key.
‘DIFFERENT CLASS’
Chelsea are slumped down in 11th with four defeats from ten matches while unbeaten Spurs top the table by two points.
Merson added: “Against both Liverpool and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were the better side in both games.
“Both teams had a go at Chelsea and that’s why I feel the trip to Tottenham could be perfect for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
“It’s game on for the Blues on Monday night. There is no question that Spurs will have a go at Chelsea.
“He was brilliant against Arsenal and if he can reach that level again, he’ll cause Spurs problems on the break.
“Cole Palmer brings the guile and he was different class in the first half against Brentford.
“Chelsea will be able to give this game a real go. I’d be shocked if Chelsea lost at Spurs.”