Cole Palmer disagrees with huge claim about him from Chelsea teammate Reece James

Cole Palmer’s incredible debut season at Chelsea continues (Picture: Getty Images)

Reece James believes Cole Palmer is already one of the best players in the world, but the young superstar is not so sure about that just yet.

The Blues won a memorable game at Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon, taking an early lead, then falling behind but bouncing back to win 3-2 at the City Ground.

Palmer did not get on the scoresheet, but he did provide a brilliant assist for Mykhailo Mudryk’s opener.

James also provided an assist as he came off the bench to make his first Premier League appearance since December, finally recovered from a hamstring injury.

The full-back was thrilled to be back in the action and had a special word for Palmer who is enjoying a stunning first season with Chelsea, netting 21 Premier League goals.

‘It’s been a long wait for me so I’m happy to come back into the team,’ James told Sky Sports. ‘We learn every day, we’re still young but we are improving and we’re coming strong at the end of the season.

‘Cole Palmer is one of the best in the world, I think personally. At [Manchester] City he didn’t play as much as he would like but he has come here and taken the chance with both hands.

Reece James was finally back in action for Chelsea at Nottingham Forest (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Slowly but surely we are finding our feet and reaching a level.’

Presented with quite a hefty claim about his talents, Palmer wasn’t convinced, saying: ‘I wouldn’t go that far! But it’s nice to hear.

‘It’s all new to me. This is my first season playing properly in the league. It was a very important win and now we focus on the next one.’

The victory in Nottingham leaves Chelsea seventh, but only behind Newcastle in sixth on goal difference as their push for European football gathers pace thanks to three wins on the spin.

On their late bid for a Europa League spot, manager Mauricio Pochettino said: ‘I hope yes, but there are still two big games.’

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