Cole Palmer: 'I'm the best one-on-one defender in the league – ask Jérémy Doku, he can't get past me'

Chelsea and England midfielder Cole Palmer has offered a cheeky assessment of his defensive abilities, reminiscing about his early days as a left-back in Manchester City's academy and jokingly challenging teammate Jérémy Doku. Speaking to The Times, the 22-year-old revealed he played at left-back for City's U-10 side and likened himself to Marcelo. But he didn't stop there. “I’m actually the best defender one-on-one out of all the attackers in the league. No forward can get past me. Ask Jérémy Doku – he can’t get past me. I’m not joking,” Palmer said. He added that a simple “half-step” feint is enough to confuse an opponent, comparing his style to both Marcelo and Leighton Baines, whom he called “an absolute machine with his left foot for crossing.” “To be honest, playing left-back is easy. Any defensive position, really. You just hold your flank and see the whole pitch. That’s exactly why they get paid the least — just kidding,” he concluded with a grin. Palmer registered 11 goals and three assists in 34 appearances for Chelsea last season.