Cole Palmer has declared that he feels the best he has in "ages" after a promising start to the new campaign under Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, and he is keen to leave the difficulties of last season firmly behind him. 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. Despite managing to net ten Premier League goals overall, a barren spell of one goal in eight games at the tail end of the season saw him miss out on England’s World Cup squad, a disappointment that still lingers for many. Palmer put that setback to rest on Monday, opening the scoring in Chelsea’s 3‑2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
His performance was a vivid reminder of the talent that made him one of the most exciting young forwards in the league. "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 after the match.
"Before my groin injury I’d rarely been sidelined. I kept pushing myself back onto the pitch even when I perhaps shouldn’t have." He admitted the timing of the injury created a dilemma ahead of the World Cup. "If I didn’t play I’d risk missing the tournament, but if I played while not fully recovered I’d risk playing badly or worsening the injury," he explained.
"It was a sticky situation, and I wasn’t sure how to handle it. Different doctors gave me varying opinions about the cause and the best way forward." Since returning to full training, Palmer has focused on a daily regimen designed to prevent a recurrence.
"I just want to stay injury‑free, and when I’m on the pitch I know what I’m capable of," he said, emphasizing his commitment to long‑term fitness. The early signs suggest that Alonso has granted him the freedom 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 his new boss changed everything. "Alonso told me I’d have more liberty to roam across the field – just like you saw with the goal against Fulham," Palmer recounted. "Last season I wouldn’t have taken that run because it was outside what we considered a ‘safe zone’.
He encouraged me to move into those areas, drop deeper, receive the ball, create chances and simply play my natural game." That renewed latitude could be instrumental in forging a potent attacking trio alongside João Pedro and recent signing Morgan Rogers. All three found the net at Craven Cottage, prompting fans to nickname the unit "JP Morgan" – a moniker Palmer admits he finds amusing but not entirely flattering. "It’s a rubbish name, we need something better," he laughed.
"João can do a bit of everything, Morgan brings a physical edge, and I’m more technical. Together we have a good balance of qualities." Chelsea’s win gave the Blues a flawless start, and with Alonso’s tactical acumen and no European commitments this season, some pundits have begun to label them as potential surprise title challengers.
On Monday Night Football, former England defender Gary Neville suggested that Arsenal’s strength could pose a significant hurdle, yet he praised Chelsea’s current position and predicted a push for at least a second‑place finish. When asked whether the squad possessed the depth to compete for the league crown, Palmer was cautiously optimistic. "We haven’t even talked about the table yet – we’ve only played one game," he said.
"But I believe we have the quality to challenge." Beyond the immediate excitement, Palmer’s resurgence also signals a broader shift in Chelsea’s playing philosophy. Alonso, a former midfielder known for his intelligence on the ball, appears to be fostering an environment where creative players are given the space to express themselves without excessive micromanagement. This approach not only benefits Palmer but also encourages other attacking talents to take risks, potentially leading to a more fluid and unpredictable Chelsea side. In terms of his personal development, Palmer is keen to build on his fitness gains.
He plans to work closely with the club’s medical and conditioning staff throughout the season, aiming to avoid the pitfalls that plagued his previous campaign. "The focus now is consistency – staying healthy, staying sharp, and delivering for the team week in, week out," he affirmed. Looking ahead, Chelsea’s schedule includes a clash with Brighton on Super Sunday, a match that will test the Blues’ defensive solidity and attacking cohesion.
Palmer hopes the team can maintain the momentum generated by the opening win and continue to refine the attacking patterns that have already shown promise. Overall, Palmer’s remarks paint a picture of a player who has learned from a challenging year, embraced a fresh tactical outlook, and is eager to contribute to a Chelsea side that may well surprise many in the Premier League race. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how this newfound freedom translates into sustained performances and whether the "JP Morgan" partnership can evolve into a truly lethal front line.