**Xabi Alonso has explained how he intends to give Cole Palmer the freedom to flourish in Chelsea’s new-look attack without sacrificing the structure he wants from his side.**
Palmer has spent his first full pre-season working under Alonso as Chelsea prepare for the start of the new Premier League campaign.
ReadChelsea previously reported that [Palmer’s fitness and attitude have impressed Alonso](https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/10/what-cole-palmer-has-been-doing-behind-scenes-has-impressed-xabi-alonso/), with the England international also taking on greater responsibility within a young squad.
Chelsea’s head coach has now provided a clearer indication of how that responsibility could translate onto the pitch.
Speaking to [Chelsea’s official website](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/alonso-the-better-cole-we-have-the-better-chelsea-we-will-have), Alonso stressed the importance of having Palmer at his best and described the 24-year-old as a player capable of leading the team on the pitch.
The Spaniard’s comments about Chelsea’s attacking structure were particularly revealing.
Alonso believes **“discipline gives you freedom”**, with clear patterns and individual responsibilities creating the platform for attacking players to make their own decisions in dangerous areas.
That approach could suit Palmer.
Chelsea’s No.10 has produced his best football when allowed to find pockets between midfield and defence rather than being restricted to one fixed position.
Alonso also included Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers, Jamie Gittens and Dastan Satpayev when discussing the attackers who must buy into those principles.
It creates an intriguing picture ahead of the new season. Chelsea possess significantly more attacking depth, but Palmer still appears central to Alonso’s plans.
The head coach summed up his importance with a simple message: **“the better Cole we have, the better Chelsea we have.”**
Chelsea’s final pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad on Saturday should offer another indication of how Alonso intends to arrange that attacking talent before the competitive campaign begins.