Chelsea forward compared to Messi

Former Barcelona star Gary Lineker has singled out Chelsea forward Cole Palmer for praise as he compared the quality of his pass to one produced by Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi.

Recall that Palmer impressed once again for the Blues in their last outing as he gave a brilliant assist in their 3-2 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

The highlight showed how England international played an inch-perfect pass between centre-back Willy Boly and right-back Gonzalo Montiel for Mykhailo Mudryk to run onto and open the scoring for the Blues.

Speaking via the match on the Rest of Football podcast, Lineker was greatly impressed by Palmer’s assist, saying: “Cole Palmer, what about the pass for the Mudryk goal? The weight of it! It was Messi-esque that was!”

Recall that the Blues signed Palmer from Man City last summer and he has risen to become one of their most important players this season.

Palmer is expected to return to action when the Blues take on Brighton on Wednesday.

The Blues will hope to win all three points against the Seagulls to boost their chances of finishing the top six and secure a spot to play in European tournaments next season.