William Gallas has told Chelsea star Cole Palmer to live like a monk – and go on to become a legend of the game like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Gallas reckons Palmer was one of the best players in Europe last season following a stand-out campaign with Chelsea. The attacking midfielder joined the Blues from Manchester City in a £42.5m deal, and went on to plunder 25 goals in all competitions.
Palmer also made England’s Euro 2024 squad – and scored in the 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final in Berlin. Gallas reckons Palmer has the world at his footballing feet, provided he keeps working hard and avoids the pitfalls that come with all the fame and fortune heading in his direction.
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Former Chelsea ace Gallas told Prime Casino: “Cole Palmer needs to stay at his level. Produce a season like that again. And again. And again. Season after season, that’s what the very best players – the legends – do.
“Messi and Ronaldo, these guys were the best for almost 15-20 years. It’s remarkable, and that is the standard if you want to be considered the best. We’ve seen a lot of players have one season at the top level. The most difficult challenge for players is to stay in that level.
(Image: Getty Images)
“To do it takes unbelievable commitment, huge sacrifices. You must live your life like a monk. You must be happy knowing that you’re going to have three weeks in the year to switch off, and then you have to work even harder than the year before. It’s not easy to do that. Not many players have the mental resources to deliver that kind of commitment.”
Gallas fears Palmer might become a victim of his own success, and have more pressure on him to deliver this season and beyond.
He added: “I can’t think of many players that have had the twelve months that he has had, but it was only twelve months. We know he’s a cool guy, but after a season like last year, his teammates are looking at him to make the difference; the fans are expecting him to make the difference.
“There is a bit more extra pressure on him this year, but, without doubt, he is the best young player in the Premier League.”