Who is Cole Palmer, Manchester City's new star?

Cole Palmer was born in 2002, is now 19 years old and has a contract until June 30, 2026. He is emerging as one of the new stars of Manchester City, a team that defeated Swindon Town 4-1 in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday, December 7.

The 19-year-old scored late in the game to seal the win for the Citizen´s. Manchester City were without their influential manager Pep Guardiola and several stars due to Covid. The reigning Premier League champions still managed to play 10 established internationals and just one kid against the League Two outfit.

Palmer's display on the field was impressive

The teenager made the men around him look like boys with a stunning display, toying with the Swindon defense to quash any hope of an upset. City fans were already aware of his eye for goal, scoring against Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup and Club Brugge in the Champions League earlier this season.

Palmer is a player who has been on the rise, both in soccer and economically, since according to Transfermarkt, the young man went from costing 500,000 euros in December 2021 to 3 million, a considerable sum if we take into account that with the goal he scored in the oldest competition in the world his value will increase even more.

Palmer attributes

He plays as an attacking midfielder and at the age of 19 he is 6'4". He is left-footed and has played all his youth divisions at the Manchester club, where he has had the opportunity to play four games so far in the Premier League, for a total of 121 minutes.

In addition, he made his debut on September 7, 2021 for England U21, where he played two matches.

Palmer with challenges ahead

The problem for Palmer will be getting into Guardiola's superb team on a regular basis, although Phil Foden has already proved that's possible.

He may get a chance against Chelsea and Southampton in the Premier League, with Riyad Mahrez defending Algeria's Africa Cup of Nations crown in Cameroon this month.

Nevertheless, Palmer won't forget his night out in Swindon for a while. It was a coming-of-age performance that confirmed his special talent and place among Guardiola's icons.

Ashley Cole, former Chelsea player praised Cole Palmer

Ashley Cole has praised Cole Palmer after the Manchester City youngster produced an impressive first half display against Swindon Town in the FA Cup third round.

Speaking on ITV Sport, Cole said: 'It opens up the pitch. With his one v one ability it makes it difficult for defenders to get out to him. He's got the brains where he can isolate you one v one and take you down the line.'