Cole Palmer was unstoppable during his first two seasons at Chelsea, but last campaign told a very different story.
The England international entered the season carrying enormous expectations after establishing himself as one of the Premier League's outstanding attacking stars.
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However, injuries repeatedly interrupted his rhythm, preventing him from finding the consistency that had made him Chelsea's main match-winner.
Palmer later admitted he had struggled to feel fully fit for much of the campaign, while recurring muscular and groin issues limited both his sharpness and confidence.
Chelsea's coaching staff also acknowledged he required physical and mental rest after a demanding period, and the consequences were significant.
Palmer's numbers dropped, his influence on matches became less consistent and England manager Thomas Tuchel ultimately left him out of the World Cup squad.
England manager Thomas Tuchel during the press conference
Tuchel explained that Palmer's club form had not reached the level required, a remarkable turnaround for a player who had looked certain to feature prominently for England only months earlier.
There were clearly other factors behind the scenes as well.
Palmer, and a few other top Chelsea players, were reportedly unhappy under former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, and journalist Simon Phillips now explains that the ex-Man City starlet felt restricted by the tactical demands placed upon him.
Phillips also claims the midfielder dealt with homesickness at times alongside personal family matters away from football.
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While those issues have never been discussed publicly by Palmer himself, they help explain why one of the league's brightest talents struggled to produce his usual level across a frustrating campaign.
However, the arrival of Xabi Alonso has transformed the mood around Cobham, with the Spaniard already making a strong impression on both established players and new signings.
Chelsea new manager Xabi Alonso during the press conference
Alonso personally helped convince Morgan Rogers to join Chelsea in a British-record £117 million move, underlining the growing influence he already has inside Stamford Bridge.
If Alonso can unlock the best version of Palmer again, Chelsea's attack immediately becomes far more dangerous.
Cole Palmer 'like a new man' in Chelsea training with sources 'shocked'
Palmer Estevao
According to Phillips, via his SPTC Substack, the early signs are extremely encouraging.
Phillips reports the atmosphere around Chelsea's training ground is the best it has been since Tuchel's time at the club, with players embracing Alonso's methods from the very beginning.
The journalist says one source at Cobham described Palmer as "like a new man" during pre-season, claiming the Englishman has returned hungry, motivated and eager to impress his new manager.
He also states Alonso has held private conversations with Palmer, reassuring him of his importance to Chelsea's long-term plans. Those discussions appear to have had a positive impact, with Phillips claiming Palmer is already enjoying his football again after a difficult year.
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The source that said all of this to Phillips is also quoted as being 'shocked' by the 24-year-old's resurgence at Cobham.
Alonso has quickly established authority within the dressing room through both his playing career and his coaching success, but of course, pre-season enthusiasm only goes so far.
Palmer still needs to translate those positive signs into competitive performances once the campaign begins.
However, Chelsea may once again have the player who established himself as one of Europe's finest attacking midfielders not so long ago.
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