In Focus: Red-hot Cole on fire for Pochettino's Blues

Cole Palmer is going from strength to strength at Chelsea.

He scored his sixth Premier League goal of the season in last weekend's 2-0 victory over Sheffield United to further establish himself as a key player under Mauricio Pochettino.

Palmer, 21, has been a shining light in a disappointing campaign for Chelsea after joining from Manchester City in the summer.

Ahead of their clash with Wolves this afternoon, we take a look at his ever-growing influence for the Blues.

Exceeding expectations

Few expected Palmer to be such an important figure for Chelsea when he made the £40million switch from City.

There were questions raised over the fee for such a young, unproven player — particularly one who appeared to be surplus to requirements at the Premier League champions.

But Palmer has answered his doubters emphatically, becoming one of Chelsea's most consistent performers and breaking into Gareth Southgate's England squad.

Regardless, nobody at Stamford Bridge will be getting carried away.

Pochettino said: "So soon to talk too much, we need to be calm. [Palmer is a] very talented player, getting more mature and experienced.

"He has the capacity to be the playmaker that can link with his team-mates, very important for us in the way we want to play.

"We need to give the time to learn and improve and see in a few years if he will be the big player we saw."

Productive Palmer

The numbers give an indication of Palmer's impressive contribution at Chelsea so far.

His first four goals for the club were from the penalty spot — but he has since netted twice from open play, against Manchester United and Sheffield United.

Palmer is also providing for his team-mates, with three assists to his name and seven big chances created.

No Chelsea player has attempted more through-balls than the Manchester native (11) and he is behind only Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez for completed passes into the final third (207).

With fellow summer signing Christopher Nkunku now ready for action having made his long-awaited return from injury, a link-up with Palmer could be a mouth-watering prospect.

Pochettino will hope that combination can bring more goals and be the catalyst for an ascent up the Premier League table.

Big decision

Making the move from City to Chelsea involved an element of risk for Palmer.

He was on the periphery at the Etihad, having only been given opportunities sporadically by Guardiola.

But the chance to play more regularly for a club in a transitional period under Pochettino appealed to a player with big ambitions.

Speaking last month, Palmer said: "I spoke to him before I went. It was a good phone call so I decided to go there.

"A lot of people told me what he was like with young players. Ever since I went to Chelsea I can see it. I'm enjoying working with him and excited to keep working with him.

"It was a big move for me. I've never been out of Manchester. Not even been on loan. To be there on my own was a big thing.

"When I first went there it was difficult. Now that I've settled in more I'm enjoying it."

Chelsea will be hoping Palmer's eye-catching form continues as they look to make it back-to-back league wins at Wolves.