Chelsea star Cole Palmer has jokingly hit back at a journalist after being branded an 'old man' in comparison to 16-year-old team-mate Reggie Walsh.
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Walsh is Chelsea's latest academy gemPalmer called 'old man' in comparisonJokingly claps back at journalistFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Walsh became Chelsea's youngest ever player to start a European match in their 1-0 Conference League semi-final second-leg win over Djurgardens on Thursday. After the match, a journalist poked fun at Palmer by saying he was practically an 'old man' at 23. The England international's response was quite surprising but done in jest.
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In response, Palmer said: "F*cking hell, what are you then compared to Reggie? Obviously, Reggie is young but he’s trained with us a few times. He’s a very good player. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do. I’m still young myself so I have to keep growing and growing."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
In the space of a few positive results, Chelsea's season – which was in danger of falling apart for a time – is looking much rosier again. They are in the Conference League final and could qualify for next season's Champions League. Palmer has seemingly rediscovered his mojo after a lengthy goal drought and youngsters such as Walsh are breaking into the first team.
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Palmer and Walsh will hope to continue to have a positive impact in Chelsea's team for the remainder of the season, starting with a trip to Newcastle United on Sunday.