Liam Rosenior names Cole Palmer Chelsea captain for FA Cup quarter-final
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has praised Cole Palmer after handing the England international the captain’s armband for the first time during Saturday’s 7-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Port Vale at Stamford Bridge.
The attacking midfielder took on the leadership role with regular skipper Reece James sidelined by injury and vice-captain Enzo Fernandez left out of the starting lineup.
Making his 123rd senior appearance across all competitions, the new skipper played a crucial part in the home side’s third goal before half-time.
His dangerous attacking threat forced Port Vale defender Jordan Gabriel to put the ball into his own net during the comprehensive rout.
Leading by example
Speaking after the emphatic cup triumph, the Blues boss explained the reasoning behind his crucial leadership decision.
“I think it’s a natural step for Cole where he is in his career,” Rosenior said.
“He shows leadership. You have different types of leadership. You have players who talk, who organise.”
“What Cole does and where he leads is he’s so brave and he’ll take the ball on the pitch. And if he makes a mistake, he’ll take the ball and be positive again.”
“That reflects what I want in this team. I felt Cole led the team magnificently in the game today.”
Going back to basics
When asked about the talented playmaker’s reaction to receiving the armband, the manager confirmed he was delighted with the added responsibility.
Rosenior was particularly impressed with the defensive work rate demonstrated by his attacking stars throughout the one-sided tie.
He highlighted the tracking back of both the newly appointed captain and teammate Joao Pedro as vital components of the dominant performance.
“Cole is a player in big moments who can win you games,” the Chelsea manager continued.
“But if you watch the game today with Cole or with Joao, they are tracking back, they are chasing back into their own box.”
“Pedro was making tackles in his own box. You have to go back to basics.”
“I felt the players in terms of the fundamentals of the game today were very, very good and Cole led by example.”
