Cole Palmer named PFA Young Player of the Year for 2023/24 season
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has been named the PFA Young Player of the Year for the 2023/24 season.
The 22-year-old, who was also nominated for the senior award, enjoyed a dazzling debut campaign with Chelsea, racking up 22 goals and 11 assists in 34 Premier League appearances.
No player in the Premier League registered more goal involvements than Palmer, who forced his way into the England squad for Euro 2024 by establishing himself as one of the division’s most dangerous players.
Palmer comes out on top of a shortlist which also included Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Michael Olise (Crystal Palace, now Bayern Munich), Joao Pedro (Brighton and Hove Albion) and last year’s winner, Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).
Palmer is the first Chelsea player to win the award since Eden Hazard, who picked up the prize in the 2013/14 season. The Blues’ only other winner is Scott Parker, who won in the 2003/04 campaign after joining from Charlton Athletic in January.
The 22-year-old has paid tribute to former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino for his role in his development.
Speaking on Palmer last season, Pochettino said: “One of the best skills is his mentality and his capacity to deal with the pressure. He’s young and I think it’s his first season playing very consistently. I think it’s amazing how he is dealing with the pressure. That is all that can be a very good player.
