Cole Palmer has openly declared that he feels better than he has in years, crediting the fresh start he’s received under Xabi Alonso at Chelsea. The 24‑year‑old’s recent performances suggest he is finally shaking off the difficulties that plagued his previous season and rediscovering the form that made him one of the Premier League’s most promising forwards.
The 2025‑26 campaign was a frustrating one for Palmer. A nagging groin problem limited him to just two appearances between August and December, and although he managed to finish the season with ten league goals, a barren spell of one goal in his final eight matches saw him miss out on a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Those setbacks weighed heavily on him, but the striker appears to have left that disappointment behind. On Monday, Palmer opened the scoring in Chelsea’s 3‑2 victory over Fulham, a match that served as a reminder of his natural talent and his ability to influence games when given the freedom to roam. Speaking to Sky Sports after the win, he said, “Physically I feel good, probably the best I’ve felt in ages, but I think I can get fitter with games and more minutes.” He added that before his groin injury he had rarely been sidelined, and the injury forced him into a difficult dilemma: play while not fully fit and risk compromising his World Cup chances, or sit out and miss the tournament altogether. Palmer admitted the situation was “sticky” and that he received conflicting advice from various medical staff about the cause of his problem.
Since returning to full training, he has been diligent about his rehabilitation, emphasizing that his priority is to stay injury‑free so he can contribute consistently on the pitch. A key factor in his resurgence appears to be the tactical freedom granted by manager Xabi Alonso. In previous seasons under Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, Palmer often felt constrained by more rigid systems that limited his movement. He has hinted in the past that he was being “shackled” and that his creative instincts were being stifled.
According to Palmer, conversations with Alonso have changed that perception entirely. “He just told me I’d have more freedom to drift about the pitch, just like you saw against Fulham with the goal I scored,” Palmer explained. “Last season I wouldn’t have even made that run because it wasn’t a ‘safe zone’. Now he encourages me to move across that zone, drop into space, receive the ball, create and just do what I’m good at.” That newfound liberty has the potential to cement a lethal attacking trio alongside Joao Pedro and the newly signed Morgan Rogers.
All three players found the net at Craven Cottage, prompting fans to dub the unit “JP Morgan.” While Palmer jokes that the nickname is “rubbish” and that they need a better moniker, he is clearly enthusiastic about the chemistry developing among the three. “It’s a rubbish name.
We need something better,” he laughed. “We’ve got a different mix of qualities.
Joao can do a bit of everything, Morgan is more physical, and I’m more technical, so I think we’ve got a good balance.” Chelsea’s win over Fulham gave the Blues a perfect start to the season, and with Alonso’s expertise and no European commitments, some pundits have begun to label them as potential surprise title challengers. Former England defender Gary Neville, speaking on Monday Night Football, suggested that while Arsenal’s strength could prove a hurdle, Chelsea are in a solid position to push for a top‑two finish.
Palmer, however, cautioned against getting ahead of themselves. When asked whether the dressing room had discussed league standings, he replied, “We haven’t even spoken about it. You can’t talk about a title race after one game.” Yet when pressed on whether he believed the squad possessed the quality to compete, he answered confidently, “Yeah, I think so.” Beyond the immediate excitement, Palmer’s comments highlight a broader narrative of resilience and adaptation. Overcoming a season marred by injury and international disappointment, he has embraced Alonso’s philosophy of fluid, expressive football.
By shedding the constraints of previous tactical setups, Palmer is able to exploit his technical strengths—intelligent movement, precise finishing, and an eye for creating space. The shift in approach also aligns with Chelsea’s overall strategy this season.
Without the distraction of European fixtures, the club can concentrate its resources on the domestic league, allowing players like Palmer to develop consistency and build momentum. The manager’s emphasis on freedom of expression mirrors the club’s desire to play attractive, attacking football that can both entertain fans and deliver results.
Looking ahead, Palmer’s continued fitness will be crucial. He has stressed his commitment to daily work aimed at preventing a recurrence of his groin issues, recognizing that sustained availability is essential for both personal development and the team’s ambitions. If he can maintain his health, the combination of his revived confidence, Alonso’s tactical guidance, and the complementary skills of Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers could make Chelsea a formidable force.
In summary, Cole Palmer’s recent remarks paint a picture of a player who feels rejuvenated, both physically and mentally, after a challenging previous season. The freedom granted by Xabi Alonso has unlocked his natural instincts, and early signs suggest that this partnership could be a catalyst for Chelsea’s pursuit of higher league positions. While it is still early days, the optimism surrounding Palmer’s resurgence and the promising start to the campaign provide a compelling narrative for Blues supporters eager for success.