Rosenior hails 'unstoppable' Palmer after treble tames Wolves / Photo: Darren Staples - AFP
Rosenior hails 'unstoppable' Palmer after treble tames Wolves
Liam Rosenior labelled Cole Palmer "unstoppable" after the Chelsea forward's first-half hat-trick inspired a 3-1 victory at Wolves on Saturday.
Palmer was in ice-cool form as he converted two penalties before drilling a clinical finish into the roof of the net to complete his treble before the break.
The England star celebrated by covering his ears in response to recent reports he is unsettled in west London.
Rosenior was delighted by Palmer's dynamic display and predatory finishing, labelling his forward a world-class talent.
"I don't want him to change, that's for sure," he said. "Some of our passages of play, some of our football, was everything I wanted to see and he was a part of that.
"We know what a world-class player he is. He's played a lot of football over the last year with not much rest. When he's at his best, he's unstoppable. I'm delighted to be working with him."
Palmer's hat-trick moved him beyond the 50-goal mark since his move from Manchester City in 2023.
His return to form could not have come at a better moment for Rosenior, who has faced constant questioning over Palmer's form, fitness and state of mind since taking charge in January.
Palmer has had his minutes carefully managed by the club since returning in November from a groin injury and is yet to play a sustained run of matches under the new manager.
"When he's fully firing and feeling good he's a magnificent footballer," Rosenior said.
"When you're at this club with these demands and scrutiny, which I'm starting to learn myself, you have to block out the noise and remember what a good player you are.
"I love working with him. He loves being here. Hopefully now he can really enjoy his football between now and the end of the season."
After an injury-plagued campaign, Palmer praised Rosenior for helping to ease his gradual return towards peak form.
The 23-year-old is the first player in the Premier League era to score three first-half hat-tricks in his career.
"Not being 100 percent fit isn't ideal, I still feel like I can help the team but when I'm back to full fitness I feel like I can go to another level," Palmer said.
"Life under Liam is amazing, he gives us all confidence. Lets us be ourselves, play free.
"I'm sure when I'm back proper fit you'll see the best of me. Him and all the staff give us all confidence on the training pitch. I really like it."
(G.Khumalo--TPT)
