Alonso was introduced to the world’s media for the first time as Blues manager, and he took the opportunity to praise 24-year-old Palmer, pointing to his impressive quality, which Xabi says has been on show even in their first few training sessions together.

During a season which was disrupted by injury, Cole did show signs of his best at times, most notably a memorable hat-trick over Wolves, as Palmer became the first player in Premier League history to record three separate first-half hat-tricks.

The new manager knows that one of his tasks is to continue to bring the best out of Cole.

‘We have had a few training sessions already, and from the first day, you can see he's a special talent,’ Xabi opened.

‘He's a special player. You can notice his quality, how he's able to play and make the right decision in the right spot.

‘I'm happy that he has come in a good mood and a good mindset to have a great season, and we are really looking forward to getting the best from him.

‘If we can build a strong team with the proper stability to find our key players, then for sure, Cole is going to be one of those key players in the attacking third.’

Another player that Xabi will want to get the best out of is one of our latest recruits, Marco Palestra.

The Italian joined from Atalanta earlier this month after being named Serie A Defender of the Year during a productive loan spell at Cagliari, and the manager is hopeful that Marco will adapt quickly to life in the Premier League.

‘Marco has many great qualities to adapt to modern football,’ said Alonso.

‘He’s a player that gives you versatility in his positioning whether you are playing a back four or a back five. Sometimes he has even played on the left, and he’s physically really strong.

‘We need to work with him in [terms of his] development, in his adaptation to the Premier League, but I'm pretty sure, and I'm positive, that it won't take a lot of time.

‘He has a very good mentality in terms of competitiveness, in terms of his hunger to improve. So, I'm happy that he's here. We are really looking forward to getting the best from him.’