Cole Palmer sent clear message as Jamie Carragher agrees with controversial Gary Lineker take

Jamie Carragher has backed Gary Lineker's claim that Cole Palmer might just be England's most talented star. The Chelsea midfielder has been phenomenal for the Blues since signing from Manchester City, becoming one of the best players in the Premier League.

dazzling debut season with , capped off by a goal in the Euro 2024 final, saw his star rise meteorically and he has shown no signs of stopping. His recent four-goal haul in the first half against Brighton means he is poised to be a key player for England in next week's Nations League clashes with Greece and Finland.

The linchpin of Chelsea's attack, Palmer could become the same for at international level, though he faces plenty of competition from the other attacking players in the Three Lions squad. Following Palmer's latest star turn against Brighton, Match of the Day host couldn't help but praise the 22-year-old's brilliance, even hinting that he could be England's most gifted player.

"Every time I see him, he takes my breath away," former England striker Lineker said. "An extraordinary footballer. Of all the talented players England have got, he might be the best of the lot."

There are plenty of contenders for that particular crown, with Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka all vying for similar spots in England's frontline. Liverpool legend previously picked Foden as his standout Premier League player last season. Yet, the pundit has admitted that Foden's former Manchester City teammate Palmer is currently leading the pack in the new campaign.

"Last season I was a little bit reticent to say that he was the best player in the Premier League," Carragher told Sky Sports when discussing Palmer. "It actually felt he was, but the fact that Chelsea hadn't had such a great season."

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"And I ended up going for Foden just above him and most people thought the same, as Foden got the two player of the year awards, but inside I felt he was the best player in the Premier League," Carragher added.

"And on the back of last season and this season, if he continues this form throughout this season, I genuinely believe he is the best player in the Premier League. "He's not playing with the absolute elite, like Manchester City, he has moved on from there."

Palmer, who has registered 10 goal contributions in six league games, was absent from the last round of internationals due to injury but has returned to Lee Carsley's squad. The interim manager knows the Chelsea star well, having worked with him as England under-21 boss, and has been thrilled but unsurprised by Palmer's development.

"I've known Cole for a number of years and seen how he's progressed," Carsley said. "Every challenge put in front of him he takes in his stride, he doesn't get too high or too low, it's great to see him doing well."