Kasey Palmer returns to Huddersfield Town for another year on loan, after signing a new contract with Chelsea. The attacking midfielder impressed on loan last season despite missing most of the second half of the campaign due to injury.
While he’s not exactly a new signing, as he’s already spent a year in West Yorkshire, his return is a real coup for David Wagner. Palmer proved himself to be an incredibly talented player and would have been hard to replace had we not been able to get him back for another year.
What kind of a player is he?
Palmer’s best position is in the space behind a lone striker. He’s an intelligent player that reads the game well and can burst past the main striker to get into dangerous positions or drift wide and cause problems for defences in the channels.
His touch on the ball is incredibly good and he’s got a great eye for a through ball. There’s a delicacy about the way he strokes the ball about and he brings the best out of the players around him with his distribution.
History
Palmer played youth football for Charlton before getting hoovered up by Chelsea’s junior system. The academy at Chelsea seems to be more like a private enterprise completely separate from the senior squad. So it’s unsurprising that Palmer is yet to make a senior appearance for Chelsea despite being capped for England under 17s, 18s, 20s and 21s.
Palmer’s only senior football in his career came in his twenty-seven appearances for the Terriers last season, scoring five goals and adding three assists. He received three man-of-the-match awards in the games he played and quickly became a fans favourite.
Fans opinion on Palmer
Given Palmer has played 100% of his senior games for Town it would probably make sense to see what Town fans think of him, but if you’ve found this blog you’re probably able to look him up on Down At The Mac yourself. Instead, I’ll take a look at what Chelsea fans think about him.
Fernando on the TalkChelsea forum wishes Kasey luck but worries that the Premier League might ban Chelsea for parking all their young talent in other teams playing in the Premier League. This might be an exaggeration but Chelsea’s use (abuse?) of the loan market and their stockpiling of talent does feel wrong even if Town are benefiting from it again this season.
One thing that struck me from searching around various Chelsea forums is that they really don’t know a lot about, or even care much about their youngsters. Palmer barely gets a mention and those that talk about him haven’t much more than a passing interest. I’m pleased he’s come to a club whose fans appreciate him and his talents.
How does Palmer fit into the team
Kasey Palmer has already proven he can slot perfectly into the number ten position in David Wagner’s 4-2-3-1 formation and I expect him to continue to play that role. There isn’t currently anyone else that would fit in that position apart from Jack Payne who is rumoured to be deemed surplus for the next season at least.
Palmer also understands the work required and atmosphere around the team. The spirit around the squad was such an important factor in Town’s success last season. It’s good to bring back a player that understands the togetherness that has grown between the players, staff and fans at Huddersfield.
Terrier Spirit opinion on Kasey Palmer’s return
If you haven’t been able to judge already, I’m delighted that Kasey Palmer has returned to Town and I’m excited to see how he develops in the Premier League.
It would have been nice if we could have brought him here on a permanent deal but the season-long loan means there’s minimal commitment from Town and means more transfer money is available to invest elsewhere in the squad.
If Palmer can stay injury-free for the bulk of this season I’m almost certain he’ll be an influential player for Town and establish himself as a major talent in English football.