Cole Palmer has lifted the lid on the tactical licence Xabi Alonso has handed him at Chelsea, revealing the new manager told him to roam freely, drop deep, and simply express himself on the pitch.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Palmer explained that Alonso's instructions stripped away the restrictions that had defined his role last season, opening up areas of the pitch that were previously off-limits for him.

"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."

That freedom paid immediate dividends. Palmer contributed a goal as Chelsea opened their Premier League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Fulham — a result that demonstrated the attacking potential of Alonso's side.

From struggle to renaissance

The 23-year-old — who turns 24 this season — had been one of the standout performers in his debut year at Stamford Bridge, but last campaign brought inconsistency, fitness setbacks, and the painful blow of missing England's World Cup squad.

Under Alonso, however, Palmer appears reinvigorated. The licence to drift into previously restricted zones has already produced tangible results in the opening fixture.

On the "JP Morgan" nickname

Chelsea supporters have labelled the attacking trio of Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Morgan Rogers as "JP Morgan" — a nod to their initials — but Palmer is not convinced the nickname sticks.

"It's a rubbish name," he said with a laugh. "We need to come up with something better than that."

Palmer was measured, however, in his assessment of what the three bring to the side collectively. "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," he added.