Cole Palmer has openly admitted that, under the stewardship of Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, he feels "the best I've felt in ages" after a promising start to the new campaign. The 24‑year‑old forward, who endured a frustrating 2025‑26 season riddled with a persistent groin problem, appears to have left that difficult period firmly behind him.
During the previous campaign Palmer managed only two appearances between August and December because of the injury, and although he eventually tallied ten Premier League goals, a barren spell of one goal in eight matches at the tail end of the season cost him a place in England’s World Cup squad. The disappointment lingered, but on Monday he marked his return to form by scoring in Chelsea’s 3‑2 victory over Fulham, a performance that reminded fans of the quality he possesses when given the freedom to operate. "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 reflected on his injury history, noting that prior to the groin issue he had rarely missed training or matches.
"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 said, highlighting the dilemma he faced in the run‑up to the World Cup. "If I don’t play I won’t go, but if I play then I can’t play properly," he explained, describing the sticky situation that left him uncertain about the best course of action.
Since returning to full training, Palmer has been diligent about preventing a recurrence. "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," he affirmed, emphasizing his desire to stay healthy and contribute consistently. A key factor in his resurgence appears to be the tactical freedom granted by new manager Xabi Alonso. In the previous regimes of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, Palmer often felt constrained by rigid structures that limited his ability to drift across the front line. He has previously hinted that these systems hampered his natural instincts, but conversations with Alonso seem to have altered that perception.
"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 recounted. "Last season I wouldn’t have even made that run because it wasn’t a ‘safe zone’. But he’s saying move across that zone, drop into play, get on the ball, create and just do what you do." That newly granted liberty could be instrumental in shaping Chelsea’s attacking trio, which now includes Joao Pedro and recent signing Morgan Rogers. All three found the net at Craven Cottage, prompting fans to nickname the combination "JP Morgan" – a moniker Palmer admits he finds "rubbish" but acknowledges the chemistry is developing.
"We need to come up with something better than that," he joked. "Joao can do a bit of everything, Morgan’s more physical and I’m more technical, so I think we’ve got a good balance." Chelsea’s opening win gave the Blues a perfect start to the season, and with Alonso’s expertise and no European commitments, some pundits have already suggested they could become surprise title challengers.
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville, speaking on Monday Night Football, warned that Arsenal’s strength might prove a hurdle, yet he praised Chelsea’s current position and backed them to push for a top‑two finish. Palmer, however, downplayed any premature talk of the league table. "We've not even spoken about it," he said. "You can't say title race yet, we've only played one game." When asked whether he believed the squad possessed the quality to contend for honors, Palmer answered confidently: "Yeah, I think so." His optimism reflects a broader sense of renewal within the club, driven by a manager who values player expression and a squad eager to prove its credentials.
Beyond the immediate excitement, Palmer’s story underscores a broader narrative about resilience and adaptation in modern football. Overcoming injury setbacks, navigating the pressures of international selection, and adjusting to new tactical philosophies are challenges many young talents face. Palmer’s willingness to embrace Alonso’s philosophy, coupled with his commitment to stay fit, illustrates how a supportive environment can unlock a player’s potential.
Looking ahead, Chelsea fans will be eager to see whether this early momentum can be sustained. With Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Morgan Rogers forming a dynamic front line, and with Alonso’s tactical acumen guiding the team, the Blues could indeed become a formidable force in the Premier League.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the optimism expressed by players and pundits alike translates into consistent performances and, perhaps, a genuine title bid. For those wanting to follow Chelsea’s progress, the next match against Brighton is set for Super Sunday, with kickoff at 2 pm.
The club also offers a Super 6 competition where fans can enter for free for a chance to win £1 million, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling start to the season.