Matt Palmer is an exceptional midfield player for Notts County. He's robust, thoughtful, and reads the game well. His ability to complete passes while driving the team forward is outstanding. He's a calming influence in the centre of midfield, a complete footballer in the mould of Neal Bishop's work rate mixed with the ability of Phil Turner.
Since arriving at Notts County, Palmer has been paramount to the club's success. Simply put, if you remove him from the line-up, the formation and instructions of Luke Williams simply wouldn't work as well. It's one of the main reasons why he's been an ever-present heartbeat in the Notts County midfield.
Palmer's strengths include his ability to quickly control, hold up, and work the ball into spaces that benefit the other players around him. He has a keen eye for a pass, but it's his smart decision-making that keeps him ahead of the game. He can drop back, work to win the ball back, and get it forward. He also offers support to players like John Bostock and Kyle Cameron, giving them a chance to move into space themselves.
Palmer isn't like any other player on the team. Notts County could really do with another player of similar qualities. John Bostock is more of a physical presence, happy to get stuck in and take the sting out of games. Frank Vincent is more attacking-minded and much better going forward than he is defending. Jim O'Brien comes close with his ability to move into channels, defend and get forward, but his passing play isn't quite the same as Palmer's.
There's no doubt that Notts County is lucky to have Palmer on their team. He would easily fit into a League One side and still stand out. He's a player that Notts County should shape their team around and so far, Luke Williams has done extremely well to play to Palmer's strengths. Having Palmer and Bostock means quicker players on the flanks can make use of their ability to set the tempo. This suits players like Jodi Jones, Adam Chicksen, and Aaron Nemane who can pick up Palmer's passes and allow him to move into space.
Additionally, having Palmer on the field frees up someone else to exploit other players like Ruben Rodrigues who may be being marked by additional defenders. This means that Palmer is always available in theory to pick up the ball.
Palmer has given Williams' Notts County more of a dynamic midfielder role. He can link back with the defence to absorb some pressure, retain the ball and move it around well patiently and calmly, or he can incorporate himself into the attack - find space at the edge of opposition's penalty box and put a carefully timed ball in behind for Nemane or come out wider to assist with crossing the ball if needed.
Throughout the 2022/23 season, Palmer's exceptional presence has been the engine in Luke Williams' side. While other players may offer goals or a faster turn of pace, Palmer is that reliable player who very rarely puts a foot wrong.
His style complements Notts County as the moment he receives the ball you can see he's 2–3 steps ahead of the game. You can see he's a quality midfielder unlike any other and his calm demeanour means that opposition players very rarely can provoke a reaction from him.
While I don't foresee his position being under threat in League Two he might start attracting interest from other clubs. It's unlikely to affect his performances, but there may come a time when his inability to score might hinder this possibility. It's a blessing in disguise while being completely unnecessary part of his game as he does provide the ability to be one of the main players for assists.
I could see his role in the future being more focused on being a leader on the pitch passing down his knowledge despite still being in the prime of his career. He may also get to wear the captain's armband, all things depending on and if he does become a player Notts County builds their future around there's a possibility that he will outlast some of the most recent long-term servants in club history.
In just a few short years since arriving at Meadow Lane Palmer has already started to carve out a long-term legacy while earning respect from devoted fans. Matt Palmer's take isn't that of an underdog but an exceptional talent that realised that the club was building something special upon signing for the Magpies. I believe Palmer knew just how important his role would be at Meadow Lane and while nobody could foreshadow arrival of 42 goal per season striker Macaulay Langstaff I do believe Palmer acknowledged the club's desire to recruit players on up and his ability to graft has allowed him settle in as if he has always been in midfield of Notts County. It's hard to see how a club could sign a similar player, although we all dream team Matt Palmers don't we?
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