Palmer receives warning from Man Utd legend Neville

Cameron Smith

Updated: 8 Oct 2024 21:19 BST
3 min read

Gary Neville has warned England star Cole Palmer that he may struggle during Chelsea’s trip to face Liverpool after the October international break.

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Palmer, 22, has enjoyed a sublime start to the 2024-25 season under new boss Enzo Maresca, scoring six goals and providing five assists in just seven Premier League matches.

His form has helped Chelsea pick up 14 points from a possible 21, with the Blues fourth in the table heading into the October internationals.

Palmer is also set to be handed a key role by interim England manager Lee Carsley following his performances at Chelsea and his impressive Euro 2024 campaign.

However, Neville is worried that he could be bullied when Chelsea travel to Anfield on Sunday, 20 October.

What has Gary Neville said?

The Manchester United legend told NBC Sports: “I always think that Anfield is the toughest place to get space. And you think about how Cole Palmer plays, and the way he always looks like he’s got time on the ball, it’ll be interesting to see how he does at Anfield and how Liverpool will attend to him.

“[They will] be really aggressive against him and test him. They won’t want to let him have any joy in the game and encouragement early on. Anfield can be a place where you can get bullied a little bit, off the crowd, the atmosphere.”

Neville continued: “I always remember when I went to Anfield [as a player], I think it’s the toughest place to go.

“I think for a Chelsea team under Maresca, it’s a real challenge for them and it will be interesting to see how they fare in that.”

Palmer was unable to register a goal or an assist in two appearances against Liverpool last season, although he has racked up 51 goal contributions in 54 games since joining Chelsea for €47 million last summer.

However, Liverpool have conceded just two goals in seven Premier League games under new boss Arne Slot, while the Reds have already picked up six league wins so far this campaign.