Impressed Pep urges Palmer to be patient
PEP Guardiola says he and City ‘believe’ in exciting young talent Cole Palmer after his remarkable weekend.
The 19-year-old Wythenshawe lad made his second Premier League appearance as a late sub in the 2-0 win over Burnley on Saturday, then headed across the road to the City Football Academy to play, and score a hat-trick, for the under-23 team.
Palmer showed what he is about with a marvellous first senior goal in the 6-1 win over Wycombe in the Carabao Cup last month, and he has been a regular on the bench.
Last season he lit up Premier League 2 with some stunning goals, and was at it again with three beauties in the 5-0 win over Leicester on Saturday night.
Guardiola rarely talks up young players, knowing the importance of keeping them grounded and focussed on the hard work ahead. But he said the fact he signed a new five-year deal in the summer is a clear indication of how highly Palmer is rated.
Asked where the youngster is at in his development, Guardiola said: “Step by step, but he’s already two seasons training with us, and is completely involved in the dynamic of how we play. He extended his contract because we believe in him. We know his attributes.”
The fans would love to see more of home-grown talents like Palmer, James McAtee and Liam Delap, but the manager says they all need to be patient.
“It’s not easy to play because of the players we have,” he said. “Sooner or later, the young lads to train and play with us then go to the youth team. His development with and without the ball.
“He can play in five positions – up front, wingers, attacking midfielders, striker. He has a sense of goal, happy to have him and he’s growing. Every training session he’s growing as a football player.”