Cole Palmer is set to benefit from Xabi Alonso's appointment at Chelsea, and he will have already impressed the Spaniard.
A difficult campaign for Chelsea has directly impacted Palmer, with the Englishman only scoring four non-penalty goals in the Premier League this term.
The 24-year-old has looked a shadow of the player who recorded 33 goal involvements in the Premier League two years ago, and then stepped up with an incredible strike in England's Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
But the arrival of Alonso, who signed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, can inspire Palmer back to the levels that made him one of the best attackers on the planet.
Xabi Alonso will have liked Cole Palmer's defensive work rate in FA Cup final
Alonso agreed to join the club shortly after Chelsea's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in Saturday's FA Cup final.
Calum McFarlane's men produced a solid performance at Wembley Stadium, but lacked a cutting edge in the final third as the Blues squandered multiple chances to score.
Levi Colwill was excellent for Chelsea in the heart of the defence, setting the standard with his line-breaking passes and aggression off the ball, while Palmer also impressed.
Despite not producing a moment of brilliance in attack to unlock City's defence, the fleet-footed forward displayed a willingness to track back and help his team out defensively.
Palmer won five of his 10 ground duels, according to Sofascore, while recovering the ball twice and winning 100% of his tackles.
Chelsea's No. 10 has been criticised in the past for not working hard in the defensive phase, but his hard work off the ball in the FA Cup final will have surely pleased Alonso, who makes his forwards the first line of defence.
What Alonso has said about forwards defending
In Alonso's 3-4-2-1 system, Palmer will play the 'Florian Wirtz role' perfectly, occupying space in the right channel and pressing aggressively from the front.
The Englishman is arguably at his best when picking up the ball in dangerous positions centrally and offered the freedom to roam into wide areas.
Palmer will also have to track back and help his right wing back and two central midfielders cut the passing lanes, something Alonso has implemented throughout his managerial career.
"Strikers who defend? It’s fundamental. The team has to defend as one. There has to be balance between attack and defence!
"
The 44-year-old made that comment in June 2025 during his time at Real Madrid, and previously praised Vini Jr for his "defensive sacrifice", despite not being known for working hard off the ball (Madrid's official website).
"Vini Jr. had a great game. I'm not just talking about his goal and assist, but also his defensive sacrifice, knowing how to get involved, not getting caught out... That allowed us to play closely together, and in attack, he had more freedom."
Chelsea have been criticised for not running hard enough for each other this summer, but Alonso is guaranteed to change that mentality, starting with how the attackers operate out of possession.
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