Cole Palmer has shown Man City more of something he lacked last season

Until six weeks ago, 2022/23 looked like being a frustrating one for Cole Palmer.

Impressing when called up from the under-23s the season before, Palmer scored his first goals in the FA Cup, Champions League and Carabao Cup. Promoted permanently to Pep Guardiola's senior team last summer, it felt like a perfect opportunity for Palmer to kick-on with the ability to get more cameos off the bench and more starts in the cup competitions.

However, after three goals in 11 appearances in 2021/22, Palmer got just one goal in 25 in 2022/23, and didn't start his first Premier League game until the title was won with three games to go.

Three promising performances in the three games when big names were rested in the final week of the season reminded City what Palmer can do, but those showings must be analysed with the context that there was nothing to play for.

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City must decide what to do with Palmer after a frustrating year when others have kicked on more out on loan. He could be loaned out for next season, or remain with the first team and hope to offer more support to Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez.

Palmer's performances at the under-21 European Championship, then, are encouraging as the winger made his mark on the big stage. After 12 months of failing to take his chance, Palmer waited patiently for the Young Lions and pounced when selected in the semi-finals.

Overlooked in the opening two group games, Palmer was recalled in a much-changed England side with top spot already guaranteed. He dropped back to the bench in the quarter-final win over Portugal, but was back in the starting lineup for the last four after Jacob Ramsey was sent home with injury.