Everyone knew it was coming. After a season where he basically carried Chelsea on his back, the Cole Palmer FC 25 upgrade was always going to be massive. But when the numbers finally dropped, the community had... thoughts.
He's an 85 overall now. That’s a massive +19 jump from his 66-rated card in the previous cycle. It’s actually one of the biggest year-on-year boosts in the history of the franchise. Yet, if you spend five minutes in the FUT forums or on Reddit, you'll see people complaining that EA still "underrated" him. Is an 85 fair for a guy who put up 22 goals and 11 assists in the toughest league in the world? Honestly, it depends on whether you're looking at the face card or how he actually feels when you're trying to break down a five-back defense in Champions.
The Cold Palmer Meta: PlayStyles are Everything
In the old days, we only cared about pace. If a card didn't have 90+ acceleration, it was fodder. FC 25 has changed the math. Now, it’s all about PlayStyles and PlayStyle+. Palmer has been blessed with the Finesse Shot PlayStyle+, and let me tell you, it is a game-changer.
When you’re cutting inside from the right wing, that left foot is a literal cheat code. It doesn't matter if the keeper is Alisson or a bronze card; if you time it right, it’s going top bins.
But it’s not just the shooting. He also carries the Technical, Incisive Pass, and First Touch PlayStyles. These reflect his real-world "ice in his veins" persona. He doesn't panic. In-game, this translates to a player who keeps the ball glued to his feet even when he's being hounded by a high-press meta. Most players just look at his 74 Pace and write him off. Big mistake.
Breaking Down the Attributes
You have to look at the sub-stats. His 85 Passing is highlighted by 86 Vision and 85 Short Passing. In a game where passing was significantly nerfed to feel more "manual," having a CAM who can actually execute a through-ball is vital.
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Then there’s the Dribbling. 86 Overall.
With 88 Ball Control and 87 Composure, he feels remarkably smooth for a player who is 6'2". Usually, taller players in FC 25 feel like trucks. Palmer has that "lanky" animation set that allows him to shield the ball while still having the agility to turn a defender. His 84 Finishing is also a bit of a lie—it feels much higher because of that Finesse Shot+ trait.
Where He Fits in Your Squad
If you’re running a Premier League side, he’s basically a must-have for the mid-budget tier. He fits perfectly at CAM in a 4-2-3-1 or as a right-sided CM in a 4-3-2-1.
People compare him to Phil Foden or Bukayo Saka. Honestly? He’s different. Foden is the twitchy, small dribbler. Saka is the physical powerhouse on the wing. Palmer is the orchestrator. He’s the guy you give the ball to when you don't know what else to do.
One thing that kinda sucks is his 3-star Weak Foot.
It’s a bit of a letdown considering how many goals he scored with his "weaker" foot last season. If you're playing at a high level, opponents will realize this quickly and force you onto his right. You have to be predictable to be unpredictable—use the Trivela to compensate.
The Evolution Factor
We have to talk about Evolutions. This is where Cole Palmer FC 25 becomes truly terrifying. Throughout the season, EA releases "Evos" that allow you to boost specific players. Because Palmer’s base is an 85, he fits into a lot of the mid-season upgrade paths.
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We’ve already seen some "Potent Potential" or "Technical Titan" style evolutions that can push his pace into the mid-80s and his passing into the 90s. If you can get a version of Palmer with 80+ pace, he becomes an end-game card. Seriously.
The Reality of the 85 Rating
Was he robbed of an 87? Probably.
But EA Sports tends to be conservative with "one-season wonders" (even though calling him that is crazy at this point). They want room to give him five or six "In-Form" cards and "Player of the Month" SBCs.
If you look at the players around him—players like Bernardo Silva or Bruno Fernandes—Palmer is in elite company. The difference is the "aura." In FC 25, certain players have custom body types or animations that make them play "above" their stats. Palmer has that. He has the slouch, the low socks, and that effortless glide.
Dealing with the Pace Issue
Let’s be real: 74 Pace is slow for a winger.
If you try to use him like Adama Traore, you're going to have a bad time. He’s not going to win a footrace against Kyle Walker or Alphonso Davies.
Stop trying to sprint.
Instead, use the R1/RB dribbling (Technical PlayStyle) to manipulate the space. Use his height to win headers against smaller fullbacks. He’s a tactical weapon, not a dragster.
Making the Most of Palmer in FUT
If you're lucky enough to pack him or have the coins to buy him, don't just slap a Hunter chemistry style on him and call it a day.
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- Chemistry Style: Use an Engine. It boosts his Pace, Passing, and Dribbling. It makes him feel way more responsive in tight spaces. If you're playing him strictly at ST, then maybe a Finisher.
- Custom Instructions: Set him to "Stay Central" and "Get Into The Box For Cross." Because of his height, he’s a massive threat on the back post.
- The "Cold" Celebration: Yes, his signature celebration is in the game. To do it, just run to the camera or press the specific button combo after scoring. It’s the ultimate tilt-inducer for your opponent.
The nuances of his card reflect the shift in FC 25 toward "IQ." The new "FC IQ" system means players with high Composure and Vision actually make smarter runs. Palmer’s AI is coded to find the pockets of space between the midfield and defense. You’ll notice him drifting into "The Hole" constantly, waiting for that one pass that breaks the game open.
Actionable Tips for Using Palmer Effectively
To truly master this card, you need to change your mental approach to the game.
First, abuse the L1/LB triggers. Send your strikers on runs and use Palmer’s Incisive Pass PlayStyle to zip the ball through gaps that other players can't see. The ball speed on his through-balls is noticeably faster than most.
Second, master the finesse. Don't power up your shots. Just a light tap with the Finesse modifier from the corner of the box. The curve is insane.
Finally, keep an eye on the market. Palmer is a "Live" player in terms of popularity. Whenever he scores in real life, his price spikes. If you’re looking to buy him, do it on Sunday nights when people are selling off their Weekend League teams. If you want to sell, do it right before a big Chelsea game or when a potential Evolution drops that he might fit into.
He isn't just a card; he’s the centerpiece of a specific way of playing. If you want to play beautiful, possession-based football, there isn't a better value-for-money card in the game right now. Use his brains, not his legs, and you’ll start seeing the wins pile up.