John Terry praised two Chelsea players after the Premier League win over Everton and declared Cole Palmer the ‘best No. 10 in world football’.
Chelsea ended a four-game winless run with a 2-0 victory over David Moyes’ in-form Everton on Saturday.
Everton had won four of their last five games ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge but fell behind to Cole Palmer’s 21st-minute opener.
Palmer slotted past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford through Male Gusto’s through ball, scoring his first goal since September in front of England boss Thomas Tuchel who watched on from the stands.
Gusto turned from provider to goalscorer when he doubled Chelsea’s lead on the stroke of half-time.
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The two first-half goals were enough to earn Chelsea their first league win in almost a month and take the Blues back into the Champions League places.
Stamford Bridge legend Terry described Chelsea’s victory as ‘massive’ and reserved special praise for Cole Palmer, who he rates as ‘the best No. 10 in world football’.
‘A big win for Chelsea and back to winning ways,’ Terry said on his TikTok channel. ‘Massive three points, we really needed that.
‘I was also delighted to have Cole Palmer back in the team and playing in that No. 10 role. I’m not sure there’s anyone better in world football playing in the No. 10 role. If there is Palmer certainly gives them a run for their money.
‘He’s so brave, constantly on the half turn trying to get in those little pockets. It’s a defender’s nightmare when you come up against a player like that.
‘I was delighted to see him back in the starting line-up and delighted to see him score. Big clean sheet as well for the boys, we deserved that today.
‘I thought defensively, we were very good. [Robert] Sanchez was excellent as well, and has been very good in recent weeks. Long may that continue.’
Discussing Chelsea’s much-needed win and Palmer’s return to form, Blues boss Enzo Maresca said: ‘Overall I’m happy with the clean sheet and the performance.
‘We said many times with Cole [Palmer] we are a better team. Unfortunately he was out for many games for us, but now he’s back and for sure he will help us.’
In a separate interview, Maresca bizarrely described the build-up to Saturday’s win as ‘the worst 48 hours’ since he took over the club.
‘Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because many people didn’t support us,’ Maresca said before refusing to clarify who he was referring to.
Responding to Maresca’s outburst, England legend Alan Shearer said on BBC’s Match of the Day: ‘He wants us and others to talk about that.
‘There’s no doubt about it he’s directing that at the board or the owners. My guess is he doesn’t feel he’s getting the protection, after the defeat in midweek, and that hurts him.
‘Chelsea are a very different club now to 15 or 20 years ago in terms of who they buy, the players they want to develop.
‘It is difficult to compete with the very best when you are doing that. But the big picture, I think he’s doing a good job.’
Chelsea return to action on Tuesday night, facing League One leaders Cardiff City for a place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
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