Mauricio Pochettino has unlocked Chelsea's own 'new Kevin De Bruyne' as Boehly plan pays off

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has the potential to become the Premier League's 'new Kevin De Bruyne' according to former Blues winger Pat Nevin.

Palmer, 21, made a surprise switch from Manchester City to Stamford Bridge last September after the two clubs reportedly agreed on an initial £40 million deal that could rise with add-ons. Despite Chelsea's struggles in the league this season, there has been no shortage of fireworks from Palmer who has scored 10 goals in 20 Premier League matches as well as weighing in with six assists.

His performances and evident self-belief has already endeared him to the supporters of the West London outfit and ex-Chelsea favourite Nevin, who represented the club from 1983-1988 believes that the Wythenshawe-born winger is set to reach even higher heights.

Speaking to Lucky Block, Nevin said:“Cole Palmer could be the new Kevin De Bruyne. I've said that before and took a lot of stick for it. I even said it on national radio when he was still at Manchester City. I don't make hyperbolic statements and I don't exaggerate, so it was a big statement.

«If you watch Palmer, you can see it now. He picks the right ball and he's the one who creates everything. He's the one who makes Chelsea special. Palmer is the best Chelsea signing of the [Todd] Boehly era. I don't even have to wait a millisecond to answer that question.

“I'm not sure how the other signings will develop or how well they'll perform in the future, but Chelsea lacked a creative vision. It was so obvious. Cole Palmer just fell into their lap. People may dismiss him as a lucky signing, but Chelsea had to go for him when he was available. I knew he was their best player before he'd even kicked a ball for them.

Mauricio Pochettino has surprising