Sergio Aguero names Chelsea’s best player and praises two summer signings

Sergio Aguero has described Cole Palmer as Chelsea’s outstanding player, while backing new arrivals Emiliano Martinez and Valentin Barco to make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge.

The Manchester City legend spent a short period playing alongside Palmer before leaving the Etihad Stadium in 2021. Palmer later moved to Chelsea for £40m in 2023 after struggling to secure regular opportunities in a Manchester City squad packed with high-level players.

Palmer has made an impressive start to the season, scoring four goals and providing two assists in seven matches. However, Chelsea sit 10th in the Premier League and have the division’s worst defensive record.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has overseen a major rebuild since taking charge on a four-year contract. The west London club spent almost £350m on more than 10 new players following a disappointing campaign in which they also finished 10th in the Premier League.

That spending included a £117m deal for England forward Morgan Rogers, but Aguero believes Palmer remains the team’s key player.

“Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers are good players, but even if you have three excellent forwards, if the team is not compact in midfield or defence, the forwards can score three goals and the opposition will score four,” Aguero told Stake.

“The game will finish 4-3. To maintain a strong front three, you also need a reliable defensive structure behind them so the team does not suffer too much,” he added, as reported by the Metro.

Aguero said Chelsea were still a dangerous side and made clear his admiration for Palmer.

“Chelsea are a dangerous team. I played with Cole Palmer and I admire him as a player. I think he is an amazing player,” he said.

“When I was there, he did not have many chances to play for Manchester City because there were many top players who were also in good form.

“His move to Chelsea was a good decision because he needed to play. In my opinion, he is the best player at Chelsea today. He can score or create a goal at any moment and make the difference.”

Aguero also backed Chelsea’s moves for two fellow Argentines, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and midfielder Valentin Barco, who joined from Aston Villa and Strasbourg respectively.

“Emiliano Martinez is an excellent signing, but Chelsea have conceded a lot of goals. It will not be easy at first because Dibu needs to get to know his team-mates and the defenders, and that will take a few matches,” Aguero said.

“But Dibu will become a very important player in many matches because he can decide games in your favour. It is an excellent signing.

“I also think signing Barco was an excellent move. He is a young player with great talent and huge energy. Once he gets used to the rhythm of the game, he will perform brilliantly.”