Chelsea starlet Cole Palmer has praised manager Mauricio Pochettino for letting him express himself.

Palmer arrived in the summer from Manchester City in a somewhat surprising move.

He had been expected to feature more for City's first team, but seemingly wanted a change.

He has since scored 12 goals and managed 10 assists in all competitions for the Blues.

Palmer told club media: “I've definitely improved as a player coming here,' the summer signing from Manchester City said of his time at Chelsea.

“I just felt [in the summer] like I was ready to play football week in, week out and that's what I'm doing here at Chelsea.

“The manager has definitely helped me, he's a top manager and a top person. He speaks to you about anything, like family issues. I think if he knows what's going on off the pitch, it can affect how he is with you on the pitch. He's really great at that.

“He's given me the freedom to play my stuff and I like it when he frees you because I feel I can express myself on the pitch more.

“I'm loving it. Every day he's talking to you about different things, not just football things but just life generally as well. He's great at making you feel good and he's always trying to get the best out of you."