Palmer’s quality is undoubted. Another special few months for Chelsea’s No. 20 has seen him reach 14 goals and six assists in the Premier League this campaign already, but that’s not what has got Maresca talking.

Instead, the Italian believes the England international has progressed to become a leader on the pitch for the Blues. He points to his performance during our 3-1 victory over Wolves on Monday night where Maresca explains he brought more than just his usual quality around the opposition penalty box.

He opened: ‘Cole is improving a lot, not just in terms of goals and assist numbers, but in the second half against Wolves, it was one of his best moments since he arrived here because he was showing personality, asking for the ball in any moment and in a moment when the team needed.

‘When Liverpool have a problem, Salah is asking for the ball. Arsenal when they have some problem, Odegaard is asking for the ball. And we need that kind of player when we are in a difficult moment.

‘We need a player who is asking for the ball and telling his team-mates, "don’t worry I will be in charge of that". That kind of personality we have to show in difficult moments and in the second half against Wolves he was top.’

Maresca also believes Palmer’s leadership on the grass helps to raise the level of the players around him.

‘For me, Cole is an important player and a top player for the team and club,’ he continued.

‘His team-mates see him as a top player so at the moment when we have some difficulties and we are looking for the closest one to help us, we need Cole to step forward in that moment.

'In that moment, in the second-half against Wolves, he showed his team-mate he is a leader inside the pitch.’