‘Special’ Cole Palmer can reach another level at Chelsea, says Xabi Alonso

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso believes Cole Palmer can improve further this season if he continues to enjoy his football.

The England international has scored four goals and supplied two assists during a strong start to the campaign, offering signs that he is returning to his best after an injury-hit 2025/26 season.

Palmer was not selected for England’s squad after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup break, which gave the 24-year-old time to rest and reset. Alonso believes that period has helped the midfielder regain his confidence and enjoyment on the pitch.

“I think there’s some more to come from Cole,” Alonso said.

“I’m very happy with Cole. The way he has prepared since the first day of pre-season, he’s been there. He has shown this desire to enjoy his game.

“What he wants is to enjoy his game, to have this good feeling on the pitch, to have this connection with players around. If he gets that, the rest will come.

“England will come, winning more games will come. That will come naturally because he’s a top-level player and that’s the main thing, for him to feel good.”

Palmer was among Chelsea’s leading performers during his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge, but injuries limited his influence last season.

Alonso has been Chelsea manager for around two months but says he has already formed a strong impression of Palmer’s character and attitude.

“I’ve been here for two months. Day by day I get to know the players better, and I get to know Cole better, and Cole gets to know me better,” he said.

“It’s about having connection, having contact, and Cole is a special man.”

Palmer will attempt to maintain his early-season form when Chelsea travel to the Gtech Community Stadium to play Brentford in the Premier League on Friday.