Who is Man City ace Cole Palmer? The 'exceptional player' eyeing key role in cup

Cole Palmer, who already has a wealth of experience for City, will likely be among the names to start the third round tie at the Etihad.

But who is Palmer? We take a look at one of Man City's most talented young players right now.

Cole Palmer: Profile

Born in Wythenhshawe, Manchester on May 6, 2002, he has been with City from the start of his career.

He began with the Citizens at under-8 level before progressing through the academy all the way to captain the U18's in the 2019/20 season, where he played a pivotal role leading the side to league and cup glory.

Palmer scored 15 times and assisted five when City were crowned U18 champions.

He also scored a brace in a 6-0 win against Stoke City in the final of the U18 Premier League Cup in the same season.

Later that season he was invited to train with the first-team and has been on the cusp of entering the fray ever since.

The teenager was seen on the bench four times in the 2020/21 campaign.

Palmer finally made his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Burnley on September 30, 2020.

Palmer has already had a chance at silverware this season, with over 70 minutes played in the Community Shield defeat to Leicester City in August.

His Premier League debut came just last month against Norwich, where he appeared as a substitute in the 70th minute.

At international level, Palmer got his first call-up to England's U21 squad less than a week after his league debut.

He scored in their 2-0 win against Kosovo in the Euro Qualifying match.

Cole Palmer: Position

Palmer has the ability to play as both an attacking midfielder and a striker.

He follows in the footsteps of players like Liam Delap, Tommy Doyle and Taylor Harwood-Bellis as another name to come out of the academy set-up.

The club's website describes him as a 'technically gifted' player who has been utilised up front on numerous occasions and 'boasts exceptional technique and a keen eye for goal'.

Palmer is naturally left-footed and can often be seen in spaces between midfield and defence and can glide past the opposition.

Cole Palmer: What has been said?

When asked which young players could help his injury hit squad, Guardiola said: "We have Cole Palmer who will be an exceptional player."

After his debut the boss said: "He started a bit shy. That's normal but as the game through he's an incredible young lad.

"He has been training with us for two months, shown us a lot of things and is a new guy to come here. He has a good perspective and a good future in this club. He is a humble guy, he works a lot, with our counter-attacks he was so intuitive to help us run and he is a guy who finishes incredibly like Phil [Foden].

"He has his chance to score but his debut in the competition away against a Premier League team will be good for his future. Again, thank you so much to the academy and everyone working to secure all these young players years ago because what I get as a first team manager is what the academy have worked for. We are so delighted for them."

Cole Palmer: What does the future hold?

Palmer should get more opportunities in the City squad moving forward including the possibility to be subbed on in huge games in Europe.

The club are clearly keen to continue exploring where he can fit in the squad as a midfield-attacking option.

The 19-year-old has replaced World Cup winner Ilkay Gundogan this season already and can surely expect a few more starts this season as City face a busy schedule.