Cole Palmer has the mark of a 'really top player', argues Ian Ladyman

Ian Ladyman believes that Gareth Southgate should fast-track Cole Palmer into the England team.

Palmer has been one of Chelsea's standout performers since his surprise £42.5million summer switch from Manchester City.

The 21-year-old scored from the penalty spot and got another assist as the Blues romped to a 4-1 win over London rivals Tottenham on Monday night.

'I will tell you who was deeply impressive on Monday night, Cole Palmer. I think the mark of a really top player is how they play when their team is under the cosh,' said Football Editor Ladyman on Mail Sport's podcast It's All Coming Up.

'In the first 20 minutes of that game on Monday night, Chelsea couldn't get the ball. Tottenham were 1-0 up early. They were almost 2-0 up. They have a goal ruled out for offside. The first of about 74 VAR calls that night. During that spell, Chelsea were being swamped.

'The one player who was able to take the ball, control the ball, turn with the ball and make the pass or draw a foul was Cole Palmer. He's only made eight Premier League starts between Chelsea and Manchester City.

'I think he should be chosen for England in not too long. That's a crazy thing to say but he looks to me like the type of player that should be fast-tracked by Gareth Southgate. I have been that impressed by him.'

Dominic King was in agreement about Palmer's quality about could not believe that Pep Guardiola let him go.

He said: 'You say many crazy things but that's not one of them. I think he's a fabulous player. I am amazed that Manchester City cashed in on him. I don't understand why a local kid, with that ability, who loves the club, who had showed prominently in the European Super Cup win, that had a brilliant summer with the England U21's … why you would cash in.

'I don't understand that. He's got all the qualities and attributes that Pep Guardiola should work with and enhance. You only have to look at Phil Foden as a couple of years older.'