Cole Palmer has already told Xabi Alonso who is the 'best' current Chelsea player | OneFootball

Blues star has known about his team-mate’s talents for longer than most

Cole Palmer has already told incoming manager Xabi Alonso who is "best ever" player in the Chelsea squad.

Palmer was tasked by team-mate Joao Pedro with picking his dream five-a-side team from the current Blues squad.

Running through the defence with ease, Palmer picked captain Reece James and Tosin Adarabioyo "because he just kicks everyone" as his two at the back.

He jumped over his midfield and plumped for Joao Pedro to lead the line, before naming Moises Caicedo as his midfield anchor only to backtrack and return to the drawing board.

A quick re-think saw Caicedo drop out and Romeo Lavia come in for one simple reason, telling TNT Sports: "When he is fit, he is the best ever."

And then it was Estevao partnering Joao Pedro in attack, as selflessly Palmer left himself out.

"I would choose Reece at the back, with Tosin because Tosin just kicks everyone. You don't want to play against him in five-a-side. He just kicks everyone.

"So two at the back. Joao up front, Caicedo and... Let me do that again.

"My five-a-side team would be Tosin, because he kicks everyone, Reece, Lavia because when he is fit he is the best ever, Joao Pedro and Steve [Estevao]."

Lavia has endured another injury-hit season with Chelsea, missing four months between November and March, but has been a regular fixture under both Liam Rosenior and then interim head coach Calum McFarlane.

Alonso will be assessing the squad ahead of his July 1 start date, and Palmer may have already given him a nudge on who to focus on.

Palmer and Lavia have known each other for some time, having both come through Manchester City’s academy together.