In Focus: Cole can fuel Chelsea's rise after deadline-day switch

Cole Palmer became the latest youngster to join Chelsea for an eye-catching fee on deadline day.

His £45million move from Manchester City raised plenty of eyebrows given his lack of experience in the Premier League.

But the 21-year-old is without doubt a sensational talent and Chelsea fans will be keen to see more of him when they face Bournemouth after the international break.

We take a look at what Palmer could add to Mauricio Pochettino's youthful but gifted squad.

Standout performance

Palmer's game time was limited at City, although he impressed in the European Super Cup victory over Sevilla last month.

He scored his side's only goal, making an intelligent run into the box before coolly guiding his header past the goalkeeper and into the far corner.

No player in that game completed more take-ons than Palmer (four) or registered more shots on target (three).

His technical ability — a given for a player in a Pep Guardiola team — is not in question, with 42 passes completed against Sevilla and an accuracy rate of 84%.

High praise

Guardiola was clearly a fan of Palmer, who also scored in the Community Shield against Arsenal in August.

He said: "It's not necessary to ask how good he [Palmer] is. You don't need two goals in two finals to define how good he is.

"Cole in the previous season arrived in an extraordinary moment and then had injuries.

"Playing at City is not easy. Last season our players in midfield were KDB, who will be four or five months out, [Ilkay Gundogan] who isn't here. We have to adjust a few things."

No pressure

Guardiola’s comments suggest Palmer may have been given more opportunities at City this season but a move to Chelsea proved more appealing.

With Pochettino's reputation for developing young players and the promise of a more prominent role in a team with big ambitions, the decision is hardly a surprising one.

The Chelsea boss said: "I think he fits the project. He wants to improve his game and he needs to show he is better than his team-mates and deserves to play and find his place.

"We need to be careful with young guys, like experienced players they need time to settle.

"He needs to settle because Manchester is different to London, the club and culture is different. 

"Before starting to perform, he needs to settle, be in his space and be comfortable. We will not put pressure on him."

Potential

Though Palmer was limited to 14 appearances and 358 minutes in the Premier League last season, he still managed to show glimpses of his ability.

He ranked second in the division for successful take-ons per 90 minutes (3.52) and 13th for completed passes into the final third of the pitch per 90 (18.1).

Palmer is also adept at pressing his opponents, with no player in the Premier League winning possession in the attacking third per 90 more than the youngster (1.51).

If Pochettino can get the best out of him, Chelsea and England could have a future star on their hands.