When Tony Dorigo watches Cole Palmer glide through midfield, he doesn’t see a modern winger or a press-resistant #8. He sees the ghost of a legend — the kind of player who wore the No.10 shirt with grace, vision, and the quiet authority of a maestro. "That old-school No.10, the player that everyone looks for, is a dying breed in the modern game, but Cole Palmer is that player for Chelsea," Dorigo declared in early November 2025. It wasn’t just praise. It was a lament for a style nearly extinct — and a rare celebration of its revival.
The Last of the No.10s
For decades, the No.10 was football’s poet. Think Zidane, Platini, Maradona — players who dictated rhythm, not just output. But since the mid-2010s, the Premier League has favored inverted wingers, double pivots, and relentless pressing. According to the International Centre for Sports Studies, traditional central playmakers in starting XIs dropped by 68% between the 2005-2006 and 2024-2025 seasons. Teams now prioritize speed and defensive structure over silk. And yet, here’s Palmer — 23 years old, wearing No.20 for Chelsea Football Club, but playing like he stepped out of 1992.
A Penalty, a Statement
The moment Dorigo’s words gained weight came in May 2025, at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool. With Chelsea trailing 1-0 and time slipping, Palmer stepped up to take a penalty. No theatrics. No hesitation. Just a calm, precise strike into the bottom corner. It tied the game. Chelsea won 2-1. That goal wasn’t just three points — it was a declaration. In a league where most scorers are finishers, Palmer is a creator who finishes. His 14 goals and 9 assists across all competitions in the 2024-2025 season weren’t flukes. They were evidence.
From City to Chelsea: The Rise of a Game Changer
Palmer’s journey began at Manchester City Football Club, where he was a promising academy product. But in July 2023, he moved to Chelsea for a reported £40 million — a gamble that paid off faster than anyone expected. Under Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge Stadium, Palmer wasn’t just deployed — he was unleashed. He didn’t adapt to the system; he reshaped it. Where others sprinted, he paused. Where others passed to space, he passed to people. Dorigo, who made 223 appearances for Chelsea between 1987 and 1991, knows what that looks like. "He’s a game changer," Dorigo told FourFourTwo on November 3, 2025. "And those are invaluable."
Another Legend Speaks: David Batty’s "Magic"
On November 1, 2025, David Batty, the tough-tackling former Chelsea and England midfielder, added another layer. Speaking to Chelsea News, Batty — who played for the club from 1999 to 2004 after a storied spell at Leeds United Football Club — called Palmer "Magic." He didn’t name the Leeds player he was comparing him to. But anyone who watched the 1990s knows: Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister, Lee Bowyer — those were the ones who turned chaos into control. Batty’s comment wasn’t casual. It was a passing of the torch.
Why This Matters Beyond Stamford Bridge
Palmer isn’t just a Chelsea player. He’s a symbol. In a game increasingly dominated by data, analytics, and positional rigidity, he reminds us that football still has room for intuition. He doesn’t track back 100 yards. He doesn’t lead the press. But when the ball finds him in the final third, something happens. Defenders freeze. Teammates move. The game bends. That’s not coaching. That’s talent. And it’s rare.
England’s national team, with 12 senior caps and three goals for Palmer since September 2023, now has a creative fulcrum they’ve lacked since Frank Lampard retired. For too long, the Three Lions have relied on pace and power. Palmer offers something deeper: a brain that sees five moves ahead.
What’s Next? The Tottenham Test
Palmer’s next challenge arrives on November 23, 2025, at 5:30pm GMT, when Chelsea face Tottenham Hotspur Football Club at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. It’s a high-stakes clash — both teams chasing Champions League spots. If Palmer can dismantle a disciplined Spurs midfield — one known for its structure and discipline — it won’t just be a win. It’ll be a statement to the entire league: the No.10 isn’t dead. He’s just been waiting for the right moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cole Palmer considered a "dying breed" in modern football?
Traditional No.10s, who operate centrally with creative freedom, have declined by 68% in Premier League starting XIs since 2005-2006, according to the International Centre for Sports Studies. Modern tactics favor high-pressing, inverted wingers, and double pivots — leaving little room for playmakers who rely on vision over speed. Palmer defies this trend by dictating tempo, holding space, and delivering final passes — hallmarks of the old-school role.
How does Tony Dorigo’s opinion carry weight?
Dorigo played 223 games for Chelsea between 1987 and 1991, during the era when classic No.10s like Dennis Wise and Kerry Dixon thrived. He wasn’t just a player — he was a witness to the transition from technical play to athletic systems. His praise isn’t nostalgia; it’s expertise. He’s comparing Palmer not to today’s stars, but to the legends he played alongside — making his assessment far more credible than a pundit who never stepped onto the pitch.
What impact has Palmer had on Chelsea’s attacking play?
In the 2024-2025 season, Palmer delivered 14 goals and 9 assists across all competitions — the most creative output by a Chelsea midfielder since Frank Lampard’s peak. He’s the primary source of set-piece threats, late runs into the box, and diagonal through-balls that split defenses. Under Pochettino, Chelsea’s average shots per game rose by 17% when Palmer started, proving he’s not just a scorer but a catalyst.
Why did David Batty compare Palmer to a Leeds United player?
Batty, who played for Leeds from 1987 to 1999, is referencing the era when Leeds midfielders like Gordon Strachan combined physicality with sublime technique. Palmer’s ability to glide past defenders, hold the ball under pressure, and deliver incisive passes mirrors that style. Though Batty didn’t name a specific player, the comparison points to a lost art — the midfield artist who controlled games without needing to be the fastest or strongest.
Is Cole Palmer likely to wear the No.10 shirt at Chelsea?
Currently, Palmer wears No.20, but the No.10 jersey is vacant since Raheem Sterling left in 2024. With his role as the team’s central creator, a shirt change is plausible — especially if Chelsea want to signal a return to classic playmaking. The club has historically reserved No.10 for its most iconic playmakers, and Palmer’s performances suggest he’s earned it.
What does Palmer’s success mean for England’s national team?
England’s midfield has lacked a true playmaker since Steven Gerrard’s retirement. Palmer’s 12 caps and three goals since 2023 offer a solution. Unlike the pace-heavy options like Phil Foden or Bukayo Saka, Palmer can drop deep, receive under pressure, and unlock defenses with a single pass. In tournaments like Euro 2028, where tight games dominate, his ability to control tempo could be decisive.
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