Cole Palmer has described his current form as the best he has felt in years, crediting the fresh start under Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso for unlocking his potential. After a turbulent 2025-26 campaign that was marred by a persistent groin problem, the 24‑year‑old forward is now looking to leave the setbacks behind and re‑establish himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking talents.
Palmer’s previous season was a roller‑coaster. A groin injury limited him to just two appearances between August and December, and although he managed to finish the campaign with ten league goals, a dip in form at the end – just one goal in his final eight games – saw him miss out on England’s World Cup squad.
The disappointment lingered, but the striker used it as motivation rather than a reason to despair. On Monday, he signalled a new chapter by opening the season’s first match with a goal in Chelsea’s 3‑2 victory over Fulham. The strike was a reminder of the quality that made him a coveted prospect a few years ago, and it also underscored the freedom he now enjoys under Alonso’s guidance.
"Physically I feel good, probably the best I've felt in ages, but I think I can get fitter with games and more minutes," Palmer told Sky Sports after the match. He reflected on his injury history, noting that before the groin issue he had rarely been sidelined. "Before my groin injury, I'd never really been injured.
Well, rarely injured. So then I would just come back and play when I shouldn't have played," he explained. The timing of his injury added a further layer of complexity. With the World Cup looming, Palmer found himself in a dilemma: sit out to protect his fitness and risk missing the tournament, or push through the pain and risk under‑performing.
"Obviously the World Cup was coming up, so I was in a bit of a dilemma thinking: 'if I don't play I'm not going to go. But if I play then, I can't play properly'," he admitted. Palmer described the situation as “sticky” and recounted receiving conflicting advice from various medical staff.
Since returning to full training, he has focused on preventing a recurrence, saying, "Since I've come back I've been working every day to obviously stop it happening again. I just want to stay injury free, and if I'm on the pitch then I know what I can do." The most noticeable change, however, has been the tactical freedom granted by Alonso. Under previous managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, Palmer often felt constrained by more rigid systems that limited his ability to roam.
He has previously hinted that these structures stifled his natural instincts. Now, after a candid conversation with his new boss, he feels liberated.
"He [Alonso] just said I'd have more freedom to drift about the pitch. Just like you saw [against Fulham] with the goal I scored," Palmer said. He added that last season he would not have attempted the same run because it fell outside what he considered 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," Palmer explained, emphasizing the trust the manager has placed in him.
This newfound autonomy appears to be paying dividends for the entire attacking unit. Alongside Joao Pedro and the newly signed Morgan Rogers, Palmer formed a potent trio that all found the net at Craven Cottage, prompting fans to nickname the partnership “JP Morgan”.
While Palmer joked that the moniker was “rubbish” and that they needed a better name, he praised the complementary skill sets of his teammates: Joao’s versatility, Morgan’s physical presence, and his own technical flair create a balanced and unpredictable front line. The opening win gave Chelsea a perfect start, and with Alonso’s tactical acumen and the absence of European commitments, some pundits have already suggested the Blues could emerge as surprise title challengers. Former England defender Gary Neville, speaking on Monday Night Football, warned that Arsenal’s strength might pose a significant hurdle, but he also believed Chelsea were well‑positioned to push for a top‑two finish.
When asked whether the squad possessed the quality to compete for the championship, Palmer was cautiously optimistic. "We've not even spoken about it," he said, noting that after just one game it was too early to discuss the league table. Yet, when pressed about the team’s capabilities, he replied affirmatively: "Yeah, I think so." Looking ahead, Chelsea’s schedule includes a Carabao Cup tie against Luton, set to kick off at 7.30 pm on Thursday, offering another opportunity for Palmer and his teammates to cement their attacking chemistry. Beyond the pitch, the club continues to engage fans with interactive promotions, such as the Super 6 competition that offers a chance to win £1 million.
In summary, Cole Palmer’s resurgence under Xabi Alonso illustrates how a change in managerial philosophy can rejuvenate a player’s confidence and performance. By granting him the liberty to explore spaces, make instinctive runs, and contribute creatively, Alonso has helped Palmer rediscover the form that made him one of England’s most promising forwards.
If he can maintain his fitness and continue to thrive in this liberated role, Palmer could well become a central figure in Chelsea’s quest for domestic glory this season.