Enzo Maresca has hailed the rise of a Chelsea almost-star into full leadership mode, saying: “He’s our talisman now.”

Enzo Maresca has praised Cole Palmer, calling him Chelsea’s “talisman,” and confirmed that the 23-year-old will captain the team in their first Premier League game of the 2025/26 season. This decision follows Palmer’s outstanding performances last season, which ended with Chelsea winning the FIFA Club World Cup.

Palmer, who made the switch from Manchester City to Chelsea in 2023 for £42.5 million, has quickly become a central figure at Stamford Bridge. His consistent brilliance on the field has earned him both the captain’s armband and the admiration of his manager.

Maresca’s praise comes after Palmer delivered an exceptional 2024/25 season, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists in 34 Premier League matches. These efforts earned him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. He also made a mark internationally, scoring in England’s Euro 2024 semi-final win over the Netherlands.

In the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain, Palmer played a key role, assisting twice in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory—helping secure the club’s second world title. Maresca emphasized Palmer’s leadership, saying, “Cole leads by example both on and off the pitch. He’s not just a top player—he’s the heart of this team now.”

Naming Palmer as captain signals a big change for Chelsea, who recently relied on seasoned leaders like Reece James and Thiago Silva. With Silva having left the club in 2024 and James currently recovering from a minor injury, Maresca believes Palmer is the natural leader for the club’s younger squad. “He might be young, but he’s very mature,” Maresca explained. “The rest of the team looks up to him, and he’s ready for the responsibility.”

Palmer’s rise has been remarkable. When Chelsea first signed him for £40 million, some viewed it as a risky move because he hadn’t played much for Manchester City. But he’s proved the critics wrong with consistent top-level performances—highlighted by a hat-trick against Tottenham in December 2024 and a vital goal in a Champions League win over Real Madrid.

His ability to play both as a central attacking midfielder (No. 10) and as a winger, along with his calmness under pressure, has made him a key part of the team. Off the field, Palmer’s dedication and humility have earned him the respect of his teammates, with defender Levi Colwill calling him “a leader who doesn’t need to raise his voice.”

Chelsea’s first game of the season, against Palmer’s former club Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, will be a big test of his leadership. It’s also a chance for redemption after last season’s dramatic 4-4 draw. Maresca, who previously worked with Pep Guardiola at City, believes Palmer’s familiarity with City’s style gives Chelsea an edge. “He understands how they play—and how to beat them,” Maresca said.

Chelsea’s morale is high after their Club World Cup win, and their new players, like Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, are already settling in well and working alongside Palmer. However, their attempt to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has stalled, meaning the team will continue to rely heavily on Palmer for creativity and goals. Maresca isn’t worried: “Cole’s current form gives us a strong base. We trust him to lead the attack while we continue looking for more reinforcements.”

Making Palmer captain also reflects Chelsea’s long-term plan under Maresca and club owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali—to build a young, exciting team for the future. With an average squad age of 24, the focus is clearly on youth, and Palmer perfectly represents that approach.

Palmer is under contract for four years, with the option of an extra year. Although clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich have shown interest due to his impressive form, Chelsea are confident in keeping him.

With a tough season ahead, including the Champions League and a Premier League title push, Palmer’s leadership and performance will be vital. Maresca’s trust in him marks the beginning of a new era at Chelsea, with Palmer ready to lead the team forward.