Cole Palmer is top quality, but this is why he's not alongside Lamine Yamal as one of the world's ten best players

Cole Palmer concluded the season as one of football's elite players, though talkSPORT host Darren Bent questioned his inclusion in the global top ten. Palmer's decisive performances in the Conference League and Club World Cup finals—particularly his two-goal display in Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain—propelled him to third in 2025 Ballon d'Or odds, trailing Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal.

Bent criticized the Ballon d'Or ranking as "reactionary," arguing Palmer's overall season fell short of his prior campaign. While acknowledging Palmer's "decent" 16 goals and 12 assists, Bent contrasted it with his "scary" previous tally of 25 goals and 15 assists, noting a dip in form with just one goal in 14 games before the Club World Cup final.

Despite his critique, Bent conceded Palmer borders on his personal top ten, praising his "top top quality." He highlighted Palmer's composure in chaos, creative passing, clinical finishing, and status as Chelsea's key big-game player—essential for any future trophies. However, Bent firmly concluded: "He's not in my top ten."