Cole Palmer Names Romeo Lavia Chelsea’s 'Best Ever' Player Ahead of Xabi Alonso Arrival
Cole Palmer may have already given incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso a strong indication of which player he rates most highly within the squad.
Cole Palmer hailed Romeo Lavia as “the best ever” while naming his dream Chelsea five-a-side team.
During a light-hearted challenge with team-mate Joao Pedro, Palmer was asked to choose his ideal five-a-side team from Chelsea’s current group of players.
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The attacking midfielder quickly settled on his defensive options, naming club captain Reece James alongside Tosin Adarabioyo.
Explaining his decision, Palmer said:
“"I would choose Reece at the back, with Tosin because Tosin just kicks everyone. You don't want to play against him in five-a-side. He just kicks everyone.
"So two at the back. Joao up front, Caicedo and... Let me do that again.”
Palmer initially selected Moises Caicedo in midfield before changing his mind and rebuilding the team around Romeo Lavia instead.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Palmer explained his reasoning clearly, saying:
“"My five-a-side team would be Tosin, because he kicks everyone, Reece, Lavia because when he is fit he is the best ever, Joao Pedro and Steve [Estevao]."”
The final attacking spot went to Estevao, while Palmer surprisingly left himself out of the lineup altogether.
Lavia has endured another injury-hit campaign at Chelsea. The midfielder missed four months between November and March but still became a regular presence under both Liam Rosenior and interim head coach Calum McFarlane.
With Alonso preparing to begin work on July 1, Palmer’s comments may offer an early hint about the players he believes deserve close attention.
Palmer and Lavia also share a long-standing connection, with both players progressing through Manchester City F.C. Academy earlier in their careers.
