Why Cole Palmer Might Not Win PFA Award

• Why Chelsea’s Cole Palmer Might Not Win PFA Young Player Of The Year Award.

As the season nears its conclusion, it is normal to have discussion around individual awards for the 2023/24 league season, and that has been the case during this international break. Notably, there has been considerable debate about who truly deserves to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award in August.

Who will be named 2023/24 PFA Young Player of the Year? 🏆

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝟮𝟭 𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻… pic.twitter.com/PHsu37znFu

— Squawka (@Squawka) March 26, 2024

From Cole Palmer to Jarrod Branthwaite to Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, the Premier League continues to witness the rise of top young footballers excelling at the highest level.

For the PFA Young Player award, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has been tipped to win the prestigious accolade this season.

Palmer has undoubtedly been Chelsea’s standout performer this season, consistently scoring and assisting after leaving Manchester City as an unproven Premier League attacker..

However, there are a few reasons why Cole Palmer might not clinch the award this year.

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has also been phenomenal for the Gunners this year as they continue to chase the Premier League title. Saka is Arsenal’s most important attacker, and he has continued to demonstrate that this season. The Arsenal winger claimed the award last season over Erling Haaland, and although he is now 22, Saka remains eligible for the award because when the season started, he was still under-21.

Saka poses as Cole Palmer’s biggest rival for the award, and it would be difficult to see Cole Palmer winning it over him, especially if Arsenal win the league.

• TOP 10 BEST UNDER-21 PLAYERS IN THE WORLD

Chelsea

Chelsea’s position in the league table significantly undermines the effort and quality Cole Palmer has brought to the side this season.

Despite scoring 16 goals and providing over 10 assists in all competitions for the Blues, Chelsea currently sits 11th on the table, with almost zero chance of qualifying for a major European tournament next season.

History

If Chelsea Football Club finish this season 10th or lower, it further diminishes Palmer’s chances of winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

In the last 25 years, no player from a team outside the top 8 of the Premier League table has won the award.

These are the reasons why Palmer might not win it this year.

However, if Palmer and Chelsea can somehow string together a wonderful run to end the season and secure a European spot or finish in the top 6 or 7, the former Manchester City attacker stands a better chance.