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Mauricio Pochettino has set Chelsea star a high bar after exciting comparison to former Real Madrid legend

Cole Palmer of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur  (Photo: Getty)
Cole Palmer of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur (Photo: Getty)

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says Cole Palmer is similar to Argentine great Angel Di Maria in many but mostly in the way he plays the game and his body shape.

Palmer has had a great start to life in west London and was brave enough to score again as Chelsea came from a goal down to beat Tottenham on Monday night.

He's played more Premier League games for Chelsea than he did for his entire time at Manchester City- and has assumed the role of their first-choice penalty taker.

Given he's wasted little time in adapting to life at Mauricio Pochettino was asked if he reminded him of anyone and after a little hesitation said he might be another version of World Cup winner Di Maria.

Pochettino told reporters: "He is a clever guy that adapted really quick. We are building the team and he takes advantage to see the situation and to show character and personality. He needs to improve but special for him to play against his former teammates and club. He is more like Angel Di Maria."

Chelsea have won just one league game at Stamford Bridge under Mauricio Pochettino and despite the improvement in form away from home, they will need a big win to get going and get the fans behind them.

They have lost their four meetings against Manchester City, and they have never lost five on the spin against any side in the league.

With the game just before the international break, Chelsea will hope that they end what has been a positive week on a high.