Xabi Alonso believes Cole Palmer still has room to grow despite a lively start to the campaign, insisting the Chelsea forward's best form is still ahead of him.
The 24-year-old has scored twice and set up two more in Chelsea's opening four Premier League matches, a sharp turnaround after a difficult previous campaign in which a persistent groin problem contributed to him being left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the FIFA World Cup. Palmer used the summer to rest fully for the first time in his professional career, and the early signs suggest it's paying off.
Ahead of Chelsea's trip to Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium on Friday, Palmer finds himself part of what looks like the Premier League's most dangerous attacking group right now. Alongside Morgan Rogers and João Pedro, at least one of the trio has scored in every league match so far this season, and no defence has managed to keep all three quiet.
Alonso is clearly encouraged by what he's seeing from Palmer in training and matches alike. "I think there's more to come," the Chelsea head coach said, via football.london. "We can expect more from Cole. I am very happy with Cole. The way he has prepared since the first day of preseason, he has been there, he has shown the desire to enjoy his game."
The Spaniard added that Palmer's mindset is the key to everything else falling into place. "I think what he wants is to enjoy his game, to have this good feeling on the pitch, this connection with players around him. If he gets that, the rest will come. England will come, more winning games will come, that will come naturally because he's a top, top-level player. That's the main thing for him - to feel good."
England Decision Looms
Tuchel is expected to name his latest England squad on Friday, with Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czech Republic (twice) and Croatia on the horizon. Palmer is waiting to find out whether his early-season form has earned him a recall to the Three Lions setup.
Asked directly about Palmer's international prospects, Alonso kept his distance from the decision. "We will see tomorrow, it's not my call. We will see."
The Chelsea boss also spoke warmly about his evolving relationship with Palmer since arriving at the club. "I have been here for two months," Alonso said. "Day by day, I get to know the players better. I get to know Cole better. Cole gets to know me better. This is about having connection, about having contact, and Cole is a special guy."
Defensive Concerns Remain
While Chelsea's attack has been among the best in the league heading into matchday five, their defence tells a different story. The Blues have shipped nine goals in their four league matches so far, and Alonso admits there's work to do before Friday's derby at Brentford.
"It is obvious in defence we can do better," Alonso said. "In attack, we are doing well. We need to find the right balance between defence and attack. Not to concede that many goals. It is for sure clear. I am sure that we will do it."
He struck a patient tone about fixing the issue. "Everything takes time. We have had circumstances that have allowed us to create the stability that we want. Once we get it, we will be more solid."
