Cole Palmer has confessed that, under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, he feels "the best he’s felt in ages" after a strong start to the season with Chelsea, and he is determined to leave the frustrations of last year behind. The 24‑year‑old endured a turbulent 2025‑26 campaign, hampered by a persistent groin problem that limited him to just two appearances between August and December.
Although he managed to net ten Premier League goals, a dip in form – a solitary strike in his final eight matches – meant he missed out on a place in England’s World Cup squad. Palmer put that disappointment to rest on Monday, opening the scoring in Chelsea’s 3‑2 victory over Fulham and reminding everyone of his natural talent. "Physically I feel good, probably the best I’ve felt in ages, but I think I can get fitter with more games and minutes," he told Sky Sports. He added that before the groin issue he had rarely suffered injuries, and the dilemma of playing too much in the run‑up to the World Cup had left him uncertain about how to manage his fitness.
"If I didn’t play, I’d never get selected; if I played, I risked not performing properly," Palmer explained. The situation was “sticky,” he said, as he consulted various medical opinions trying to understand the cause of his ailment. Since returning to full training, he has focused on daily work to prevent a recurrence, emphasizing his desire to stay injury‑free and contribute whenever he steps onto the pitch.
The early signs suggest that Alonso has granted Palmer the liberty to express himself again. Under former managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, Palmer often felt constrained by more rigid tactical setups, a sentiment he has now confirmed has changed after discussions with his new boss. "Alonso told me I’d have more freedom to roam around the pitch, just like you saw against Fulham when I scored," Palmer said.
He noted that last season he would not have attempted the same run because it fell outside what he considered a "safe zone," but Alonso encourages him to move across that area, drop deeper, receive the ball, create chances and simply do what comes naturally. This newfound freedom could be instrumental in shaping a potent attacking trio comprising Palmer, Joao Pedro, and recent signing Morgan Rogers. All three found the net at Craven Cottage, prompting fans to nickname the unit “JP Morgan.” While Palmer jokes that the moniker is "rubbish" and calls for a better name, he appreciates the blend of attributes the three bring: Joao’s versatility, Morgan’s physical presence, and his own technical flair, which together form a balanced front line.
Chelsea’s win over Fulham provided an ideal launchpad for the season, and with Alonso’s tactical acumen and the absence of European commitments, some pundits have begun to label the Blues as potential surprise contenders for the title. Gary Neville, speaking on Monday Night Football, warned that Arsenal’s strength could pose a significant hurdle, yet he praised Chelsea’s current position and predicted a push for a top‑two finish. When asked whether the squad possesses the quality to challenge for the championship, Palmer answered confidently, "Yeah, I think so." He also clarified that no discussion about league standings has taken place in the dressing room after just one match. "We haven’t even spoken about it," he said.
"You can’t talk about a title race yet; we’ve only played one game." Looking ahead, Chelsea will face Brighton on Super Sunday, with the match slated to kick off at 2 pm. Fans can also try their luck in the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available. As the season unfolds, Palmer’s rejuvenated confidence, combined with Alonso’s flexible approach, may well be the catalyst that propels Chelsea into the upper echelons of the Premier League table.