I’ve Freedom To Drift About The Pitch Under Alonso –Palmer

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has disclosed that the Blues manager Xabi Alonso has granted him the tactical freedom to roam and drift across the pitch.

Palmer stated that Alonso told him to drop deep, get on the ball, create, and play without restriction.

The freedom directly contributed to his performance and goal during Chelsea’s opening 3-2 Premier League victory against Fulham.

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Having been a standout in his first year at Chelsea, the 24-year-old struggled at times for form and fitness in the last campaign and missed out on a place in England’s World Cup squad.

Contrasting his role under previous managers last season, Palmer in a chat with Sky Sports, noted he now has the license to move into areas that were previously considered restricted or outside designated tactical “safe zones”.

“He just said I’d have more freedom to drift about the pitch.

“Just like you saw with the goal I scored. Last season, I wouldn’t have even made that run because it’s not a ‘safe zone’.

“But he’s saying move across that zone, drop into play, come get on the ball, create and just do what you do.”

The trio of Joao Pedro, Palmer and Rogers have been dubbed “JP Morgan” by sections of the Chelsea fanbase, but Palmer thinks they can do better.

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“It’s a rubbish name,” he joked. “We need to come up with something better than that.

“I think we’ve got a different mix of qualities. Joao can do a bit of everything. Morgan’s more physical and I’m more technical, so I think we’ve got a good balance.”