Bukayo Saka vs. Cole Palmer: Why The Comparison Doesn’t Make Sense

There are a lot of comparisons and threads on social media comparing or asking to compare Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer. Since Arsenal and Chelsea are rivals, representing the oldest rivalry in the top level of English football, comparing the two is only natural to spark debate, controversies and biased opinions.

Taking a step back, this comparison doesn’t quite add up. Yes, they are both key, if not the most important players for their teams. Yes, both of them are offensive-minded players. But there are key differences to consider.

Cole Palmer’s Debut Season Under Pochettino and Saka’s Established Role

Cole Palmer joined Chelsea in September 2023, with Mauricio Pochettino at the helm. With Pochettino in charge, Chelsea played chaotically. They had mixed results, a very inconsistent performance and little structure and organisation. Pochettino employed an attacking style that prioritizes quick transitions and penetrating play.

His teams aim to exploit spaces rather than waiting for the perfect moment. Directness is the main keyword for Pochettino. That is why, for example, he disagreed with the management onselling or keeping Connor Gallagher.

Under Pochettino, with Chelsea playing chaotically and not finding a style of identity, Cole Palmer was a wildcard, and Chelsea relied on his individual talent to carry the team. It’s impressive that he managed to do so, helping Chelsea finish in 6th place by the end of the season. Palmer played different roles at Chelsea with Pochettino, who shuffled him across as an attacking midfielder, a number 10 and a right winger, depending on the players.

Bukayo Saka’s role at Arsenal was more stable throughout the years. He has played in several positions, including right-back and right wing-back, but his primary role is as a right winger. If we keep in mind the chaotic season at Chelsea, it explains why Cole Palmer has a higher average number of shots per game and a much higher percentage of Self-Created shots and dribbles.

However, both produced the same xG per shot, showing they took shots of similar quality. Saka has more carries into the penalty box, given his stable role as a winger, whose task is to cut inside and cross or shoot, but they both created the same number of shots for their teammates. One area where Saka outperforms Cole Palmer is in defense. With almost double the tackles and 2 fewer turnovers per game, Saka is the obvious choice for defensive effort.

Cole Palmer’s Role under Enzo Maresca

With Enzo Maresca coming to Chelsea this season, things are changing. There is far greater discipline and structure. The Blues embraced positional play and possession-based football and Cole Palmer now has a stable role. He is the number 10, with Noni Madueke taking up the right wing.

Meanwhile Saka maintains his role at The Gunners. In contrast to Chelsea’s positional play, Arsenal has faced more challenges, and their style has been less fluid so far. Arteta focuses on defensive solidity, and does it well, with reigning champions Manchester City struggling to break down a 10-man Arsenal for an entire half. Another important thing to mention is that Arsenal is without Martin Odegaard, their main creator. This shift in Cole Palmer’s role, and in Arsenal’s dynamics, is clear if we look at the statistics.

Both players contribute to creating shots and assists, but this season, Cole Palmer has fewer carries into the penalty box and dribbles, while Saka remains consistent. This, of course, because of Palmer’s stable role change. There is also a huge spike in for Saka’s self-created shots, without Martin Odegaard being able to create them. An important aspect for a player is the ability to create both their own shots and those for others.

One thing remains consistent. Saka’s defensive abilities. With Arteta prioritising defensive solidity, Saka plays an important role in Arsenal’s defense. And his tackles, compared to Palmer’s, paint that picture. A great improvement is shown with turnovers, with Saka giving the ball away 6,7 times per game. In a season where Arsenal has less possession, maximizing their opportunities and minimizing turnovers is paramount. Meanwhile, Palmer thrives at Chelsea as a number 10, and his collaboration with Madueke and Jackson is very fruitful.

Conclusions

While comparing Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer is understandable, given their roles as key players for Arsenal and Chelsea, it’s not entirely fair and overlooks the nuances of tactical systems and roles. Both are offensive-minded talents, but their paths, roles, and responsibilities differ. Instead of comparing them, fans should appreciate their unique qualities and contributions. Both players represent the future of English football, each carving out their own distinct path.