Cole Palmer explains who got his vote after overwhelming Chelsea player of the year win
Cole Palmer scooped two major prizes at the Chelsea end-of-season awards ceremony before paying tribute to one of his team-mates.
Palmer has been exceptional since joining the Blues in a £42.5million transfer from Manchester City in the summer. He has contributed 26 goals and 13 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions to lead the way for his team, who have struggled for consistency under Mauricio Pochettino.
The 22-year-old has gone from a peripheral figure at City to a star at Chelsea and now looks assured of a place in England’s squad for Euro 2024. It was therefore no surprise that he was named men’s player of the year and the men’s players’ player of the year at Chelsea’s awards party.
“It’s been a dream season, a debut season for me, so thank you to the manager, the staff, the players and, of course, the fans,” Palmer said. “I just came to play, to showcase my abilities, my talent to the fans. But it has gone amazing, probably better than I imagined so, yeah, I’m buzzing.”
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Asked who he voted for to win the players’ player of the year, Palmer replied: “I voted for Malo Gusto. I love playing with him on the right and he’s been amazing this season when he’s played, so that’s why I voted for him.” Palmer was also asked about his aspirations to play for England this summer. “Hopefully I can get picked and go to the tournament and show what I can do,” he said. “But there are a few games left at the end of the season.”
Gusto has also enjoyed a decent campaign with Chelsea, turning out 34 times at right-back for Pochettino’s side. He has filled in well for injured captain Reece James, returning eight assists from the right flank.
The 20-year-old’s form has been recognised at international level, too, with Didier Deschamps calling him up to France’s senior squad for the first time in October. Like team-mate Axel Disasi, he will be hoping to earn a place in Les Bleus’ squad for Euro 2024.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s second goal from a penalty kick with teammate Malo Gusto
Alfie Gilchrist was named the men’s academy player of the year, after making a breakthrough into the first-team squad. The 20-year-old has made 17 appearances across all competitions and has been one of few success stories in a squad packed full of underachieving high-earners. Conor Gallagher was given a PFA community champion award.
Defender Jess Carter picked up the women’s players’ player of the year award while Lauren James earned the women’s player of the year gong. England forward James has scored 13 goals in 15 appearances in the Women’s Super League this season.
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