Football
Tony Dorigo talks exclusively to William Hill: “Palmer can become elite”
Exclusive Interview with Tony Dorigo to William Hill:
Former Aston Villa, Chelsea, Leeds United and England defender Tony Dorigo talks exclusively to William Hill about Chelsea’s transfers this summer and how far can Cole Palmer improve ahead ahead of the Premier League season 25/26. Dorigo also casts his eye over potential striker signing for Leeds United, Martinez departure from Villa & assesses the start to Thomas Tuchel’s reign as England Manager.
Chelsea signed striker Liam Delap from Ipswich. Tell us what impact he can bring to the forward line?
Tony Dorigo: “Liam Delap bring a different type of forward line play to what Chelsea have had in recent years. Delap offers physicality as a number 9 which can cause Premier League defences a lot of trouble. Chelsea have missed strength up front and Delap can be the player to help Chelsea offer something different going forward. I expect Delap will improve and get better as the season goes on. If he handles the pressure of playing for Chelsea then he has a great chance. The price tag was good for Chelsea so this is positive and with a great supply line from the wings, Delap will get chances to score. Delap knows the manager from his Man City days so this is a big help and with deliveries from the likes of Palmer especially, Delap can shine for The Blues”.
Talking of Cole Palmer, is he capable of becoming an elite player, like Chelse have had in the past with likes of Zola and Hazard?
Tony Dorigo “For sure he can become an elite player. Cole Palmer must look to produce week in and week out in the Premier League and Champions League. You look at the first 3rd of last season and Palmer was incredible. He was a crucial part of Chelsea’s attacking play, but then injuries didn’t help as it took him a while to hit the top level again. He has ability, age wise he is perfect, and we know he can perform on the big stage as he did in the Euro final and also in the Conference League Final for Chelsea in May.”
Turning to your former Club Leeds, Can Brenden Aaronson make his name in the Premier League for Leeds United next season?
Tony Dorigo: “He has something to prove for sure. He started well in the Premier League the last time Leeds were in the top division, but then his confidence dropped and then performance wise he struggled to adapt. His attitude is great and showed in the championship he can perform well, but the step up is big. He has a lot of prove, but he is a great character, he has the potential to perform well in the Premier League for Leeds, but there is a question mark.”
Leeds United need to recruit well and another American has been linked in Josh Seargent. Do you think he can do a job for Leeds United in the Premier League?
Tony Dorigo “Leeds will be linked with a lot of players this summer and they need to recruit well and in numbers to get a strong squad ready to compete in the Premier League. They must learn from last time and be better. Looking at Sargent, he has the physicality which is a positive and can help Leeds offensively and can be a threat from set pieces. He would be on their radar, but they must look at experienced players who have played in the Premier League and performed at this level.”
Moving onto you’re the first team you played for in Aston Villa, talk of Emi Martinez leaving the Club and Manchester United being the destination. What do you think of this and also where Emi rates as a top Goalkeeper?
Tony Dorigo “I am Surprised with this. You look at the Villa set up and it definitely really suits him well, the group is good, it’s European football again for villa next season. Emery is doing a brilliant job at Villa, and I don’t see why he would want to leave, especially for Manchester United, who have no European football. Unless Emi feels they can turn it around next season. Emi has a big personality, is a top goalkeeper, excellent with his feet and shot stopper, and can’t think of anyone better with the core skills needed as a keeper.”
Looking at England, we have Thomas Tuchel in charge and a year out until World Cup 2026, where are England right now?
Tony Dorigo “I am not sure after the recent international matches. Clearly, they weren’t amazing and Tuchel is still looking at players and formations. We will qualify so no issue there. Recent performances show we are not up there with the best, but we will improve and not 100% confident of how far we can go. Talent wise England have a massive pool of talent to choose from, but we don’t have long, and Tuchel doesn’t have lots of time with the squad. The main thing for Tuchel is to make sure the Team fits, as with so many talented players, they all need to gel on the big stage. Hopefully his experience and knowledge will be key and England’s talent squad can deliver next summer.
