Alonso delighted to see Palmer play with ‘freedom’ in win over Fulham

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso praised Cole Palmer after the forward’s impressive display in the Blues’ 3-2 win over Fulham.

Palmer was one of Chelsea’s standout performers, scoring his side’s third and setting up the first for Joao Pedro either side of a Morgan Rogers strike on his debut.

Alonso was delighted to see the England international playing with greater freedom and responsibility after a difficult last season.

“I’m very happy for Cole because I have really enjoyed seeing him play with dynamism, this freedom, this responsibility, helping the team, feeling important, and we need that from him,” Alonso said.

“If Cole feels this way, we will have a better team, a better Chelsea, so I’m happy for him that he’s enjoyed this game. You could see that.”

Alonso believes the performance can provide a foundation for Palmer and Chelsea to build on.