Cole Palmer Ranks the 3 Best ‘Wonderkids’ in Football Right Now

In a world full of emerging footballing talents, Chelsea’s very own Cole Palmer has quickly risen from a promising young player to a genuine superstar. At just 22 years old, Palmer has already made a significant impact at Chelsea, establishing himself as a key figure in both club and international football. His remarkable rise has led him to be part of discussions about the next generation of football’s brightest stars. Recently, Palmer was asked to rank three footballers who are often referred to as the next big thing in football: Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.

As someone who has played with or against these players, Palmer’s insights on their talent provide a unique perspective. In a Sky Sports interview, Palmer shared his thoughts on these three rising stars. His rankings, which reveal much about the exciting future of football, are certainly worth paying attention to.

1. Lamine Yamal: “He’s So Good”

It comes as no surprise that Palmer chose Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal as the top wonderkid in football. At just 17 years old, Yamal has already achieved remarkable feats in his career, including becoming a key player for Spain during the 2024 Euros, where he helped his country lift the trophy after a thrilling 2-1 victory over England in the final. Despite Palmer’s own contribution to the English side, Yamal’s performances caught everyone’s eye, including his opponent’s. Palmer recalled his experience of facing Yamal in the final, describing it as a memorable moment, saying, “When he played against us in the Euros final, like just to watch him… mad. He’s so good.” It’s clear that Palmer, who himself is an exciting prospect, was impressed by Yamal’s flair, composure, and skill on the ball.

Yamal’s rapid rise to prominence has many football fans eagerly watching his every move. The Barcelona forward is not only technically gifted but has an uncanny maturity for a player of his age, which makes him one of the most exciting players in world football right now. His versatility and ability to change the course of a match with his individual brilliance place him at the forefront of football’s young elite.

2. Kobbie Mainoo: “One of the Best Players in Training”

Next on Palmer’s list is fellow England international Kobbie Mainoo. The Manchester United midfielder has been one of the standout young talents at the club, and Palmer was quick to recognize his exceptional abilities. Mainoo, who also impressed during Euro 2024, has shown great promise both in training and in matches for his club and country. Palmer shared his admiration for the 19-year-old, saying, “He was one of the best players in training every day. He’s very, very good.”

Mainoo’s progress at Manchester United has been nothing short of impressive. Despite fierce competition for places in United’s midfield, the young Englishman has continued to push through, demonstrating technical skill, vision, and an eagerness to contribute. With Mainoo’s rapid development, many are already tipping him to become a regular fixture in United’s starting lineup and a key player for England in the coming years. His growing presence in the squad reflects the club’s confidence in his abilities, and as Palmer points out, he’s a player to watch closely in the near future.

3. Xavi Simons: “Really Good Player”

Lastly, Palmer selected Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig as his third pick. The Dutch attacking midfielder has had an exciting journey from Barcelona’s youth ranks to Paris Saint-Germain, and now at RB Leipzig, where he has made his mark in Germany. Simons, who has a natural flair for the game, has proven his worth on the international stage as well, notably scoring a stunning goal against England during the 2024 Euros semi-final. Palmer acknowledged Simons’ potential, referring to him simply as “a really good player.”

Simons’ creative vision, technical skills, and knack for scoring goals have made him one of the most exciting young players in Europe. Although he faces tough competition at RB Leipzig, the Dutchman has shown that he can thrive under pressure and provide moments of magic. Like Yamal and Mainoo, Simons has the talent and ambition to become one of the top stars in world football in the coming years.

The Rise of Cole Palmer

Although Palmer may no longer be considered a “wonderkid” himself due to his 22 years, his career trajectory is a testament to how quickly talent can evolve. Palmer’s move from Manchester City to Chelsea marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he sought to make a name for himself outside of City’s shadow. His performances for Chelsea have already established him as one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League. Palmer’s development is a great example of how a player can mature from a promising youngster to a senior player in a short span, showing both resilience and dedication to his craft.

His rise also highlights the growing trend of young footballers becoming established professionals at younger ages. Players like Yamal, Mainoo, and Simons, along with Palmer, represent the next generation of footballing talent who are expected to dominate the game for years to come.

A Glimpse into the Future of Football

The future of football looks incredibly bright, thanks to these young stars who are already making an impact on the biggest stages. With players like Yamal leading the way, it’s clear that the next generation is ready to take the mantle from football’s current stars. Palmer’s ranking of these young talents reflects just how much potential lies within them, and it’s only a matter of time before they truly break through as global superstars.

As for Palmer himself, he is now firmly in the conversation when discussing the best young players in world football. His performances at Chelsea and for England show that he is not just a talent to watch but a player who is here to stay. Alongside players like Yamal, Mainoo, and Simons, Palmer is part of an exciting cohort of footballers who are set to leave their mark on the game for years to come.

Expectations and Ambitions

Looking ahead, all four of these players—Palmer, Yamal, Mainoo, and Simons—will face the pressure of living up to the hype surrounding them. Expectations will be high, and their respective clubs and national teams will be counting on them to deliver the performances that match their immense talent. With their skills and work ethic, there’s no doubt that they will continue to rise to the occasion and make their mark in both domestic and international football.

In conclusion, Cole Palmer’s rankings of Yamal, Mainoo, and Simons give us a glimpse into the future of football, where exciting young talents are ready to take the sport by storm. Each of these players has already proven themselves on the field and will only get better with time. As they continue to develop, football fans around the world can look forward to watching these players light up stadiums for years to come. For now, though, we’ll have to sit back and enjoy the incredible journey that each of these wonderkids is embarking on.