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World class Cole Palmer inspired Chelsea to glory – but here’s why Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes is better
Bruno Fernandes is a better attacking midfielder than Cole Palmer – despite the England star helping Chelsea to UEFA Conference League glory. That’s the view of Adebayo Akinfenwa, who believes Palmer needs to have more performances like his excellent second-half performance against Real Betis in the final in the coming years. Palmer assisted two goals in Chelsea’s latest European trophy winGetty Chelsea came from behind to win the Conference League final 4-1 with the help of two assists from their star man. Palmer was named as the Player of the Match and lifted his first trophy as a Blues player since signing in 2023 from Manchester City. However, whilst EFL legend Akinfenwa acknowledges his quality, it’s Manchester United star Fernandes who he prefers out of the two. Speaking on talkSPORT’s Sports Bar Weekende, host Adam Catterall explained: “Last week we were talking about world class players. “We were talking about players that step up when their team needs them the most. “We witnessed the Europa League final where certain world class players went missing, but I don’t know if you saw Wednesday night. “It’s hit the fan, Betis are doing the business, it’s slipping away from Chelsea, [Palmer] world class! Steps up, pulled his team out of it, got the job done, bagged a trophy, that’s what the top boys do Ryan!” talkSPORT BET’s Ryon Scott-Douglas then said: “I stand by the fact that Bruno Fernandes is world class, I say he’s world class, and I’ve said I think he’s better than Cole Palmer. “So obviously, Cole Palmer’s pulled out an absolute worldie and fair enough, it was amazing. But my counter to it would be Palmer was being played in the correct position. I’ll just stop it there, because Bruno has played centre mid.” “I second it, I rate Bruno,” Akinfenwa said in agreement on the show. Palmer has been called ‘world class’ for his performanceGetty But Akinfenwa feels as though there is a better attacking midfielder than himInstagram: @akinfenwa Despite United’s dismal season, Fernandes has been amongst the goalsGetty “More than Cole Palmer?” Catterall asked, to which the former striker responded: “Yeah I do. “Don’t get it twisted, I think Cole Palmer… and I’ve actually called him Cold Palmer as well because he’s cold. “But I still think he’s got to do it for a little bit more time.” Palmer excelled in his first season at Chelsea by scoring 25 goals and assisting another 15 in the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Although his numbers in the 2024/25 campaign have been less, the 23-year-old still managed reach 27 goals involvements. In comparison, Fernandes scored 19 goals and assisted 20 others in what was a disastrous season for United. Chelsea completed the UEFA trophy set with the help of PalmerGetty Fernandes could leave United in the summer transfer windowtalkSPORT The Portuguese international has been a shining light in a team that finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final. However, Fernandes may have played his last ever match for United. talkSPORT understands he is seriously contemplating leaving Old Trafford for a move to Saudi Arabia. Fernandes’ agent Miguel Pinho has held talks with Al Hilal, who have offered him a contract worth £65million-a-year. Sources say the discussions were ‘productive’ ahead of a potential move that could cost the Saudi Pro League side £100m.
Bruno Fernandes is a better attacking midfielder than Cole Palmer – despite the England star helping Chelsea to UEFA Conference League glory.
That’s the view of Adebayo Akinfenwa, who believes Palmer needs to have more performances like his excellent second-half performance against Real Betis in the final in the coming years.
Chelsea came from behind to win the Conference League final 4-1 with the help of two assists from their star man.
Palmer was named as the Player of the Match and lifted his first trophy as a Blues player since signing in 2023 from Manchester City.
However, whilst EFL legend Akinfenwa acknowledges his quality, it’s Manchester United star Fernandes who he prefers out of the two.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Sports Bar Weekende, host Adam Catterall explained: “Last week we were talking about world class players.
“We were talking about players that step up when their team needs them the most.
“We witnessed the Europa League final where certain world class players went missing, but I don’t know if you saw Wednesday night.
“It’s hit the fan, Betis are doing the business, it’s slipping away from Chelsea, [Palmer] world class! Steps up, pulled his team out of it, got the job done, bagged a trophy, that’s what the top boys do Ryan!”
talkSPORT BET’s Ryon Scott-Douglas then said: “I stand by the fact that Bruno Fernandes is world class, I say he’s world class, and I’ve said I think he’s better than Cole Palmer.
“So obviously, Cole Palmer’s pulled out an absolute worldie and fair enough, it was amazing. But my counter to it would be Palmer was being played in the correct position. I’ll just stop it there, because Bruno has played centre mid.”
“I second it, I rate Bruno,” Akinfenwa said in agreement on the show.
“More than Cole Palmer?” Catterall asked, to which the former striker responded: “Yeah I do.
“Don’t get it twisted, I think Cole Palmer… and I’ve actually called him Cold Palmer as well because he’s cold.
“But I still think he’s got to do it for a little bit more time.”
Palmer excelled in his first season at Chelsea by scoring 25 goals and assisting another 15 in the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Although his numbers in the 2024/25 campaign have been less, the 23-year-old still managed reach 27 goals involvements.
In comparison, Fernandes scored 19 goals and assisted 20 others in what was a disastrous season for United.
The Portuguese international has been a shining light in a team that finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final.
However, Fernandes may have played his last ever match for United.
talkSPORT understands he is seriously contemplating leaving Old Trafford for a move to Saudi Arabia.
Fernandes’ agent Miguel Pinho has held talks with Al Hilal, who have offered him a contract worth £65million-a-year.
Sources say the discussions were ‘productive’ ahead of a potential move that could cost the Saudi Pro League side £100m.
