Micah Richards hails Chelsea star ahead of FIFA Club World Cup semi-final clash

Chelsea head into this week's FIFA Club World Cup semi-final looking to end their season by lifting another European trophy. 

After beating Palmeiras on Friday, The Blues face more Brazilian opposition in the final four as they take on Fluminense on Tuesday in New York. 

Enzo Maresca's side has been boosted by the recent signings of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, but it's the form of another that could see them triumph in the States. 

Cole Palmer's goal and performance in the win over Palmeiras was a sign that the England man is back to his best, and speaking on this week's The Rest is Football, Micah Richards couldn't help but hail the display of Chelsea's number ten. 

He said, "I’m thinking to myself, this guy is different level, the awareness. Forget all the technique. We’ve talked about his technique so much.

"But his awareness to take it on the turn like that. Then take the extra touch. Because you thought, is he going to get away?



"He shot a little bit earlier. And then he waits, and then he bends it. What a player he is.

"I mean, in terms of that, you’re looking at the World Cup, throwing it forward. And I know he’s not been amazing for England because there are so many of them. Is it going to be Jude or is it going to be Foden?

"But Cole Palmer, now we’ve got to start thinking, do we build the team around him? Bellingham could play, regardless, because he could play a little bit deeper.

"Cole Palmer, he’s ridiculous. What a talent he is."

 

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