Palmer bagged four in an incredible performance against Brighton (Picture: Getty)
Romeo Lavia aimed a playful dig at Cole Palmer after the Chelsea star’s incredible four-goal haul against Brighton on Saturday.
The midfielder broke Premier League records when he plundered four goals in the opening half of the 4-2 win over the Seagulls at Stamford Bridge.
It was Palmer’s third hat-trick in Chelsea blue with the former Manchester City star getting his teammates to sign the match ball after Saturday’s win.
But his teammate Lavia decided to have a bit of fun with the post-hat-trick tradition when the ball was passed his way in the dressing room.
The Belgian hilariously wrote: ‘You’re a mid player regardless’ on the match ball, sharing a picture of the moment on his social media channels.
Palmer scored 27 goals in all competitions – 22 in the league – in his first season at Chelsea last term following his £45million move from Manchester City.
Saturday’s haul takes him up to six for the season having also laid on four assists in eight appearances.
Lavia’s cheeky message on Palmer’s hat-trick ball.
‘He scored four but he also could have scored two or three more,’ his manager Enzo Maresca said.
‘It’s important he stays hungry, ambitious and I know him from many years ago with the under-23s at City and with the first team.
‘What he was as a boy is exactly what he was three or four years ago. Goals, assists, best player of the Premier League – this doesn’t change the way he is. He’s a humble guy and for me it’s the most important thing.
‘He’s a top player and today in football young players can change quick. Cole scores goals and never changes and this is the most important thing.
‘He’s special player, he’s a simple and humble guy. He doesn’t need to tell people how good he is because you can see it clearly.’
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