Former England left-back Ashley Cole believes Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer has given Pep Guardiola something to think about ahead of next weekend's Premier League encounter with Chelsea.
Palmer produced an outstanding performance to help City cruise their way into the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday evening, grabbing a goal and an assist to help them secure a 4-1 win over Swindon Town.
Some quick footwork set Bernardo Silva up for the game's opening goal in the first half before Palmer got himself on the scoresheet in the second half with the best goal of the night, bending home a wonderful left-footed effort.
Deployed on the right-wing, the youngster thrived out wide and produced a performance that he could be proud of.
Although it was against League Two opposition, former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Cole believes the City youngster could find himself in Guardiola's plans for another starting berth when Chelsea visit the Etihad Stadium next weekend.
Cole told ITV : "Palmer spoke in the interview about taking his opportunities. He's made that his trademark, opening up on the left flank.
"Today he's produced a great performance and put his name in the reckoning for next week."
Palmer earned no shortage of plaudits following the full time whistle, not just from the City supporters and pundits but also from stand-in manager Rodolfo Borrel, who described the versatile midfielder as a "huge talent."
"Everyone has seen that tonight. He is a player who is training with us on a daily basis," said the assistant.
"It’s difficult sometimes to give him more minutes because of the level of competition in the squad.
"It is about being patient, keep working hard and using these kind of opportunities to show the talent that he is. Obviously he has a huge, huge quality which is great for us and for him."
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