How does Cole Palmer's debut Chelsea season compare to Eden Hazard's?

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 15 Apr 2024 22:12 BST
• 4 min read

Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s saviour this season.

The England international has 24 goals and 13 assists in all competitions in 2023-24 and Chelsea would likely be in the relegation zone without him. As a result, it’s fair to say that Palmer is the only reason why Mauricio Pochettino hasn’t been sacked.

The Manchester City academy graduate, who has been dubbed ‘Cold Palmer’ by Chelsea supporters due to his ice-cool nature in front of goal and his signature celebration, has been one of the best signings of the season.

READ MORE: Signing of the season? Cole Palmer sale a big mistake by Man City

His €47 million price tag was seen as excessive at the time - he had only started three Premier League games at the time - but that figure now looks like a bargain and Pep Guardiola’s side will be ruing their decision to let him leave.

Palmer was a small part of a well-oiled machine at the Etihad Stadium, but he is now the most important player at Chelsea and is their go-to man in attack. Everything positive about the Blues goes through him and he has drawn comparisons to Chelsea legend Eden Hazard, who was also required to be a saviour on numerous occasions at Stamford Bridge.

The ex-Belgium international spent seven years at Chelsea, winning four trophies and scoring 110 goals.

However, how does his debut season at Stamford Bridge compare to Palmer’s?

READ MORE: Chelsea's 10 best transfers of all time

Eden Hazard vs Cole Palmer

During his first season at Chelsea, Hazard scored 13 goals and provided 19 assists in all competitions, while he also won three penalties which resulted in a goal.

He helped the Blues to Europa League glory in 2012-13, scoring one goal and bagging one assist in seven games in the competition. However, he missed the final due to injury.

Palmer’s debut season at Chelsea isn’t over, but he has already surpassed Hazard’s goal tally from the Belgian’s first campaign at the club. Furthermore, he exceeded Hazard’s total of 32 goals and assists in considerably fewer games.

In addition, he may have the chance to add a trophy to his tally, with the Blues set to face Man City in the FA Cup semi-final.