"City's Boy is Chelsea's MAN" That sentence from Peter Drury on Cole Palmer says it all.
Palmer, 21, wears the look that he is destined for a long international career. A positive arrogance on the grass, in contrast to the shy individual he is away from it.
His calmness in converting four penalties for Chelsea - and even taking over those duties in the first place - suggests he has the confidence to cope with the inevitable scrutiny. In taking charge of matches, his ability is obvious.
That was not always appreciated at City. Five years ago, they might have released him had it not been for the intervention of former academy director Jason Wilcox. Coaches and the hierarchy were split over whether he was worthy of a scholarship, which feels faintly ridiculous now. It meant he had to work harder than anyone else...
These were the moments Cole Palmer joined Chelsea for. Deep into stoppage-time at the end of a breathless, enthralling encounter between the Blues and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, the 21-year-old was entrusted to convert a 95th-minute penalty to salvage a 4-4 draw against the Premier League champions.
It is precisely the level of responsibility Palmer felt he would not get at Man City, despite manager Pep Guardiola's promise of more game time, triggering the winger's £42.5-million summer move to west London.
Palmer wasn't prepared to wait any longer at City, and the maturity he showed in a moment of maximum pressure on Sunday showed why.
"I trust in my natural ability," Palmer told Sky Sports afterwards, underlining the mixture of confidence and technique that makes him such an exciting prospect. He dispatched the spot-kick with power and precision past a helpless Éderson in goal to provide the final twist in a magnificent game that will stand as a reference point for the progress Mauricio Pochettino is making as new manager with his expensively assembled squad.
Palmer could have been City's breakthrough star -- particularly after the summer departure of Riyad Mahrez -- but instead he is on his way to becoming the poster boy of the Pochettino era.
"He showing from the day he arrived here, he doesn't feel the pressure," said Pochettino. "The character and talent he is showing is very good for the team. I am so happy for him."
This was the fourth penalty Palmer has converted this season but his game is about so much more than finishing from 12 yards. Lost in the manic maelstrom of a game, Palmer almost scored a magical second-half goal, embarking on a run before Ederson produced a sublime save to keep out his shot.
Palmer worked tirelessly out of possession but still ended this game making more successful passes into the final third (seven) than any other player on the pitch, a feat all the more remarkable given there were eight goals and a catalogue of chances in a game to rival any for entertainment in the division this season.
Chelsea's deal to sign Cole Palmer in the summer transfer window was somewhat opportunistic given they pivoted after missing out on signing Michael Olise, who instead signed a new contract with Crystal Palace. But after playing a significant role in England winning the Under-21 Championship in July, Palmer looks ready to kick on once more.
No wonder Chelsea are no longer having to answer questions about selling Mason Mount and Kai Havertz. Palmer has brightened the picture.
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