Chelsea’s Palmer beats Saka, Manchester United youngsters to PFA Young Player of the Year award

Chelsea youngster Cole Palmer has beaten out strong competition to be crowned the 2024 PFA Young Player of the Year after a spectacular debut season with the Blues.

Following a sensational individual season, which saw him score 22 goals and provide 11 assists in 34 Premier League matches, Palmer has been crowned PFA YPOTY at an awards ceremony in his native Manchester.

This adds to the Premier League Young Player of the Season, and Chelsea Player of the Season awards that the 22-year-old already won thanks to his impressive debut season with the Blues.

Despite Palmer’s best efforts, Chelsea were still only able to finish in sixth, missing out on Champions League football for the second consecutive season.

The England international was among some top Premier League players in the Young Player of the Year category, including Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, and the Manchester United duo of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.

Palmer beat them all to the punch, becoming the first Chelsea player to be named PFA Young Player of the Year since Eden Hazard exactly 10 seasons ago.

The Blues' struggles last season did not stop Palmer from signing a long term contract with Chelsea, which will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2033.