In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Mauricio Pochettino has revealed his belief that Cole Palmer has the "capacity and potential" to be close to Angel Di Maria in his career - "with time".

The young winger has taken to life at Chelsea like a duck to water; becoming one of the first names on Pochettino's teamsheet, registering 11 goal involvements in 18 total appearances as well as taking on the club's penalty-taking duties.

Coming off an impressive summer when he assisted Curtis Jones' goal in the UEFA Under-21 Euros final as England took home the trophy, the 21-year-old also made his debut with Gareth Southgate's senior squad in the autumn, and looks a decent bet to make next summer's Euros squad.

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"In the position that he plays, and because he's a left-footer and because he has some similarities and the quality, he's a potential Angel Di Maria," Pochettino told TNT Sports, referring to the ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United winger.

"Angel is a world champion [with Argentina in 2022], he was in Paris [Saint-Germain] with us, and is an amazing player.

Pochettino is not short on talented youngsters at his disposal, and has seen Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, both 22, come under his tutelage at Stamford Bridge.

The pair have generally started in midfield in a three alongside Conor Gallagher in recent weeks, and while their touch maps for this season so far bear out their overall positioning - Caicedo generally central and at the base, Fernandez slightly more advanced and to the left - they also point to the duo's ability to be multi-functional and operate in a variety of zones.

Mentions: Mauricio Pochettino Cole Palmer Di Maria Chelsea Midfielder