Cole Palmer has openly admitted that he feels "the best I have felt in ages" after a strong start to the season under Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, and he is determined to leave the difficulties of last campaign firmly behind him. The 24‑year‑old forward endured a turbulent 2025‑26 season that was marred by a persistent groin problem, limiting his involvement to just two appearances between August and December. Despite managing to net ten Premier League goals, a dip in form – a stretch of one goal in eight matches – saw him miss out on England’s World Cup squad, a disappointment that still lingers in his mind.
Palmer put that setback to rest on Monday when he opened the scoring in Chelsea’s 3‑2 victory over Fulham, reminding everyone of the talent that made him one of the league’s most exciting young attackers. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, "Physically I feel good, probably the best I've felt in ages, but I think I can get fitter with more games and minutes on the pitch." He reflected on his injury history, noting that before the groin issue he had rarely been sidelined.
"I would often come back and play when I maybe shouldn't have," he admitted, highlighting the dilemma he faced in the run‑up to the World Cup: "If I didn't play, I wouldn’t be selected; if I played, I risked not being at my best." Since returning to full training, Palmer has been diligent about preventing a recurrence. "I've been working every day to stop it happening again," he explained. "I just want to stay injury‑free, and when I'm on the pitch I know what I can contribute." His renewed confidence appears to be a direct result of the freedom Alonso has granted him. In previous seasons under Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, Palmer often complained that rigid tactical systems limited his movement.
He now says the Spanish manager has encouraged him to roam more freely: "He told me I’d have more liberty to drift across the pitch, just like you saw against Fulham with the goal I scored. Last season I wouldn’t have taken that run because it wasn’t considered a safe zone. Now he wants me to move, drop into space, receive the ball and create." This newfound latitude could be pivotal for the emerging attacking trio of Palmer, João Pedro and new signing Morgan Rogers – a combination that has already been nicknamed "JP Morgan" after their first‑team debut at Craven Cottage.
While Palmer jokes that the moniker is "rubbish" and suggests the group should find a better name, he appreciates the complementary skill sets each player brings. "João can do a bit of everything, Morgan is more physical and I’m more technical – we have a good balance," he said with a smile. Chelsea’s opening win gave the Blues an ideal platform, and with Alonso’s tactical acumen and the absence of European commitments, some pundits have begun to label them as potential surprise title challengers.
Former England defender Gary Neville, speaking on Monday Night Football, warned that Arsenal’s quality could still prove a stumbling block, but he praised Chelsea’s early form and predicted a push for at least second place. When asked whether the squad possessed the depth to mount a genuine title challenge, Palmer responded confidently: "Yeah, I think so." Despite the optimism, Palmer emphasized that discussions about league standings have not yet entered the dressing‑room. "We haven’t even talked about it," he said.
"You can’t call it a title race after one game." The young forward’s focus remains on maintaining his fitness, continuing to develop his game under Alonso’s guidance, and helping his teammates find cohesion on the field. Looking ahead, Chelsea’s next fixtures will test whether the early promise can be sustained. The club’s supporters will be eager to see if Palmer can keep delivering goals and assists while enjoying the creative freedom that appears to have reignited his confidence.
If he can stay injury‑free and maintain the momentum built in the opening match, the Blues could indeed become a formidable force in the Premier League this season, challenging the traditional powerhouses and perhaps writing a new chapter in the club’s storied history.