Cole Palmer has openly declared that he feels "the best he’s felt in ages" after a promising start to the season under the stewardship of Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, and he appears determined to leave the difficulties of last year firmly behind him. The 24‑year‑old’s 2025‑26 campaign was marred by a persistent groin problem that limited him to just two appearances between August and December. Despite managing to net ten Premier League goals, a barren spell of one goal in eight games at the tail end of the season cost him a place in England’s World Cup squad, a disappointment that still stings.
Palmer put that setback out of his mind on Monday when he opened the scoring in Chelsea’s 3‑2 victory over Fulham, a performance that reminded everyone of his innate quality and attacking instincts. "Physically I feel good, probably the best I've felt in ages, but I think I can get fitter with more games and minutes," Palmer told Sky Sports.
He went on to reflect on his injury history, noting that before the recent groin issue he had rarely been sidelined. "I would often come back and play when I perhaps shouldn’t have," he admitted, highlighting the dilemma he faced with the looming World Cup.
"If I didn’t play I risked missing out, but if I played I wasn’t at my best." He described the situation as "sticky" and confessed that he received mixed messages from various medical staff about the cause of his problem. Since returning to full training, Palmer has been diligent in his daily routines, aiming to avoid a recurrence.
"I just want to stay injury‑free, and when I’m on the pitch I know what I can contribute," he said. The early signs suggest that Alonso has granted Palmer the creative licence he craved under previous managers. During the tenures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, there were suggestions that Palmer’s game was being constrained by more rigid tactical systems.
Palmer himself hinted at feeling restricted, but he says a conversation with the new boss changed everything. "Alonso told me I’d have more freedom to drift around the pitch – just like you saw with the goal against Fulham," Palmer explained.
"Last season I wouldn’t have taken that run because it wasn’t considered a safe zone. Now he encourages me to move across those zones, drop deeper, pick up the ball, create and simply do what I do best." That renewed freedom could be the catalyst for a lethal attacking trio comprising Palmer, João Pedro and the recent signing Morgan Rogers. All three 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 silly name.
We need something better," he laughed. "João can do a bit of everything, Morgan brings physicality, and I’m more technical.
It feels like a balanced mix." Chelsea’s win over Fulham gave the Blues a perfect start to the campaign, and with Alonso’s tactical acumen and the absence of European commitments, some pundits have already tipped the club as potential surprise title challengers. Gary Neville, speaking on Monday Night Football, warned that Arsenal’s strength could pose a significant obstacle, yet he praised Chelsea’s current position and suggested they could push for a top‑two finish. When asked whether the dressing room had discussed league standings, Palmer responded that no such conversation had taken place. "We haven’t even spoken about it," he said.
"You can’t call it a title race after one game." Nevertheless, when probed about the squad’s ability to compete for honors, Palmer was confident. "Yeah, I think so," he affirmed, indicating belief in the group’s quality and depth. Looking ahead, Chelsea fans can tune in to watch the Blues take on Brighton on Super Sunday, with kickoff at 2 pm.
The club’s renewed optimism, coupled with Palmer’s revitalised form and the freedom granted by Alonso, suggests that Chelsea may well be writing a new chapter in their storied history, one where attacking flair and tactical flexibility combine to challenge for the highest accolades in English football. For those interested in a chance to win big, the Super 6 competition offers a £1 million prize, with free entry available now.