Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images
Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images
One of Xabi Alonso’s main tasks at Chelsea this season will be helping Cole Palmer rediscover his best form again.
Palmer had a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, which culminated with the attacking midfielder missing out on England’s World Cup squad.
It will now be interesting to see how Alonso uses Palmer and what he plans to do to get the best out of him.
Todd Boehly and Mark Walter graphic
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Xabi Alonso ready to use Cole Palmer as a No.8
At Chelsea, Palmer has mostly played as a No.10 and right winger. However, Alonso has hinted that he could use Palmer or Morgan Rogers as a No.8 this season.
Speaking on Men in Blazers, the new Chelsea manager said: “Both of them can be No.10, both of them can be No.8s.”
Last term, Palmer scored just 10 goals in 26 Premier League appearances. The 24-year-old did have an ongoing groin injury, but he has recovered from that and is fully fit again.
Xabi Alonso, Manager of Chelsea, shakes hands with Cole Palmer
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Despite a disappointing 2025/26 campaign and missing the World Cup, Palmer has been in good spirits.
Alonso will now be looking towards the likes of Palmer and Rogers when Chelsea take on Fulham in their Premier League opener next Monday.
The Spaniard will be eager to get off to a good start in the dugout and has a great chance of doing that if Palmer and Rogers can deliver.
Where Cole Palmer is likely to play under Xabi Alonso
Palmer is a versatile player and Alonso is a flexible coach. With that in mind, you can expect Alonso to use the Englishman in more than one position.
However, everything is pointing towards Palmer starting on the right side of a three-man attack in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
If Alonso uses a 4-2-3-1 set-up, the England international is more likely to start as a No.10.
Wherever Palmer plays, we just want to see him on the ball and doing damage like in his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge. That Palmer can get Chelsea back into the Champions League!