Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso believes Cole Palmer can reach another level if he continues to enjoy his football.
Palmer has already scored four goals and provided two assists, showing signs of returning to his best after an injury-hit 2025/26 campaign.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup break gave Palmer time to rest and reset after he missed out on England’s squad. Alonso believes that break has helped the 24-year-old rediscover 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 one of Chelsea’s standout performers during his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge, but injuries restricted his impact last season.
Alonso has only worked with Palmer for around two months but has already been impressed by his personality and approach.
“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 now look to continue his impressive start when Chelsea travel to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford in the Premier League on Friday.
