91Èȱ¬

Gary Rose
91Èȱ¬ Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Cole Palmer's form this season is a continuation of what he produced in his debut campaign at Chelsea following his move from Manchester City.

Since the start of 2023-24, Palmer has either scored or assisted 44 goals, more than anyone else in the Premier League.

While City striker Erling Haaland has scored considerably more goals - with 37 compared to 28 for Palmer - the Chelsea forward has chipped in with over triple the amount of assists - 16 compared to five for Haaland.

Palmer's overall contribution means some in the game believe a team should be built around him.

Former Arsenal, Chelsea and Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas said on the Planet Premier League podcast: "When someone is that special, when someone makes you see and feel that whatever happens in the team he is a game-changer, I believe [you can build a team around them].

"It is fair to say it could be the right thing to do, even if as coaches we hate to say this kind of thing because we want to protect the team and the collective.

"But when you have someone that good and with such an impact on the pitch, I think the team see that themselves and they want Palmer to get on the ball as much as possible.

"When he has the ball, it feels like everything is slow and everything becomes very clear in his eyes. He is able to play any pass at any angle on the pitch. I think it is possible when a player is that special to create a team around him."

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Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke says it is his "dream" to represent England and that he is "grateful to be back" following a seven year absence.

Solanke has been included in the latest Three Lions squad for the first time since his one and only appearance in 2017.

"I didn't think it wouldn't come around," he said. "My mindset was to keep doing well and scoring, I am grateful to be back.

"When I first came I was quite young, so I have done a lot of learning and developing. I am a lot more mature so naturally I am going to be in a better position. I feel good in myself.

"That is what the dream is, to represent the country. Hopefully I can get some minutes."

Alex Howell
91Èȱ¬ Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner says he does not understand why forward Eberechi Eze has not been named in Lee Carsley's latest 25-man England squad, after being called up for international duty in September.

"I don't understand why he isn't announced for England because he is fantastic for us," Glasner said. "The difference is that he has missed all of his chances and he could have five or six goals at the moment.

"He had the disallowed goal at Brentford at the start of the season. He had the crossbar-post shot against West Ham where one inch decides. And he had two big chances against Manchester United. He is so close."

The 26-year-old was part of the England Euro 2024 squad that reached the final of the competition, but has scored just one goal so far this season in the Premier League.

Glasner added: "He plays really well, he invests a lot, he has all the chances - and this is what I talk to him [about].

"He wants it. He says: 'I have the chances and so many situations, but I don't have the number of goals I could have.' We encourage him and we tell him: 'Come on, stay cool.'

"The chances he had against Manchester United at the end of the game - from 100 he scores 98. It isn't that he has to train, he can do it.

"Just stay relaxed and work for the team - these things you are able to do and these things will come. This is why I don't understand why he is not announced for England."