Not Messi or Ronaldo – Palmer names Italian star as his best penalty taker

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has named his best penalty taker.

Palmer in a recent statement named Italy striker, Mario Balotelli over the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or even Andrea Pirlo.

The England youngster made the selection when asked to choose a player he would choose to take a penalty if his life depended on it.

No doubt, Palmer has emerged as one of Chelsea’s key players since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Manchester City in 2023.

The youngster has netted 31 goals and created 19 assists in 53 matches for the west London side across competitions.

In an interview with BBC Sport (via @BBCMOTD on X), Palmer picked Balotelli as his go-to penalty-taker.

Palmer’s picked perplexed the interviewer as well.

However, Palmer assured the interviewer saying he trust Balotelli.

He also urged the interviewer to go on YouTube and search the Italian star’s penalties.

Meanwhile, Palmer has remained impressive for Chelsea this season, having scored all of the Blues four goals against Brighton last weekend.

He could score more goals during the week when Chelsea take on Gent in the Europa Conference League.

The England star will likely become one of the top players to look out for as this season progresses.