In Focus: Palmer can add Cole to Pep's fire next term

Cole Palmer is staking a claim for increased game time at Manchester City. 

The attacking midfielder shone as England won the European Under-21 Championship this summer and may have boosted his bid for more minutes at club level in the process. 

He will certainly be hoping for more involvement than last season, having featured infrequently as City claimed an historic Treble. 

Ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, we assess Palmer's chances of securing a more prominent role under Pep Guardiola.

Limited opportunities

Palmer remained at City last season in the hope of experiencing a breakout campaign but his game time was somewhat limited. 

The 21-year-old was afforded only 14 Premier League appearances of which 12 game off the bench.

Overall, he featured for fewer than 900 minutes across all competitions, playing the full 90 just four times.

Expectations not met

Guardiola has admitted that he kept Palmer around with the intention of playing him more regularly but insists that the youngster's late cameos still constitute valuable experience. 

He said: "Maybe [Palmer] didn't have the minutes we expected, he expected or I expected to give to him but there are still important matches and every moment he is going to play will be so important. 

"This type of period — the last 10, 15, 20 minutes — have the same importance as the previous 75."

No complaints

Palmer has not complained about his lack of action, suggesting he could have made more of his opportunities — though he admits it has been difficult not playing. 

He said: "The season has been tough, I'm not going to lie. When you're not playing it does affect you. 

"When I've played this season, I don't think I've played to the ability I could have. I don't really have any complaints, to be honest. 

"Maybe when I have played, I've been trying that bit too hard to try and do something. 

"It's been frustrating but I'm not one to stop. The coaches believe in me and they've told me that. It's up to me to prove my ability."

Chelsea chance

Palmer's critical self-analysis may be a little harsh, however. 

He played the full 90 minutes just twice in the Premier League and impressed in the first of those appearances against Chelsea last May. 

The City academy graduate assisted Julian Alvarez's decisive goal while completing three take-ons and being fouled in the final third twice — no player on the pitch could better either of those tallies.

Young Lion roars

England's triumphant European Under-21 Championship campaign provided the platform for Palmer to shine more consistently. 

After being eased in over the first four fixtures, the versatile midfielder was handed his second start of the tournament in the semi-finals against Israel. 

He took his chance with aplomb as the Young Lions won 3-0 — scoring one and setting up the other two. 

The Manchester native made a significant impact in the final as well, with his free-kick deflecting in off Curtis Jones for the only goal of the game. 

Palmer will be hoping that Guardiola was taking note of those performances as the Catalan tactician shapes his squad for the upcoming campaign.