Xabi Alonso enjoyed a dream Chelsea debut as his new side edged past Fulham in a five-goal thriller at Craven Cottage on Monday evening, with Cole Palmer earning special praise from his new head coach.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, the Spanish boss highlighted Palmer’s impressive display after the midfielder registered a goal and an assist, earning him the Man of the Match award, not only from myself, but Sky Sports pundits too. Palmer was at the heart of Chelsea’s attacking play throughout, consistently creating chances, progressing the ball and driving the Blues into the final third.
Speaking in his press conference, it was the Chelsea manager that was full of praise following a difficult last season, where he struggled with injuries and form.
"I'm very happy for Cole, because I have really enjoyed seeing him playing with this dynamism, with this freedom, with this responsibility, helping the team, feeling important and we need that for the team. If Cole feels this way, we will have a better team, a better Chelsea, so I'm happy for him that he has enjoyed his game. You could see that."
A period of rest during the World Cup, combined with his reunion with close friend Morgan Rogers, appears to have contributed to Palmer’s newfound form.
The pair, alongside João Pedro, formed a formidable attacking trio that ultimately secured Chelsea the win and gave Alonso plenty to be pleased about.
"They are going to be a very important part of the team. To build around them, no. To build the team with them. They need to take responsibility, they need to lead the rest, they need to inspire the rest, because if they do great, the other ones will follow. "
While Palmer registered 11 goals and three assists last season, it was a largely disappointing campaign for Chelsea’s main man, particularly compared to his outstanding debut season. However, a goal and assist on the opening day already gives him a strong platform to build on, with hopes of replicating his best return in blue.
For the winning goal, Palmer combined composure with passion, emphatically celebrating after finding the net. João Pedro held the ball up and patiently waited for his teammate to make the overlapping run before Palmer received it and calmly slotted the finish through Bernd Leno’s legs.
We will be hoping for many goal contributions this season as he delivers on his personal targets and the club's ambitions.
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