According to Football.London, Chelsea star Cole Palmer narrowly missed out on the prestigious Fans' Footballer of the Year (FFOTY) award, with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah edging him out in the final vote.
Both players enjoyed phenomenal 2024 campaigns, but Salah secured 30% of the votes, compared to Palmer's 22%, in what many fans view as a contentious decision given the Chelsea forward's remarkable contribution over the past year.
Palmer has been a revelation for Chelsea since his £42.5 million move from Manchester City in the summer of 2023.
In just his second season at Stamford Bridge, the 22-year-old has exceeded expectations, delivering a staggering 28 goals and 15 assists across all competitions in 2024.
His total of 43 direct goal contributions is a testament to his influence, especially during a transitional period for Chelsea.
Recognizing his impact, the club awarded him a two-year contract extension earlier this season, keeping him tied to the Blues until 2033 on significantly improved terms.
Expressing his gratitude, Palmer stated in August, "I'm delighted to sign this new deal. I achieved a lot in my first season, and hopefully, I can continue to experience great things at this club, both on a personal level and in terms of bringing success and trophies to Chelsea."
His optimism and ambition have been evident on the pitch, where he has consistently delivered under pressure.
Despite losing out to Salah, Palmer's case for the FFOTY award is compelling. While Salah, at 32, continued to shine for Liverpool with 25 goals and 18 assists in all competitions, Palmer's numbers are equally impressive.
What sets Palmer apart, however, is the context of his performances. In the latter half of the 2023-24 season, he was instrumental in lifting a struggling Chelsea side, often carrying the team single-handedly through challenging fixtures.
His ability to lead by example in a relatively young squad adds another layer to his achievements.
The voting disparity further highlights Palmer's misfortune. His 22% of the votes would have been sufficient to win the award in previous years, underlining how competitive this year's race was.
While Salah's contributions to Liverpool's consistent performances are undeniable, many feel Palmer's transformative impact at Chelsea deserved greater recognition.
For Palmer, this disappointment is unlikely to deter him. Currently chasing his first Premier League Golden Boot, the Chelsea forward has already scored 11 goals this season, just two behind joint leaders Salah and Erling Haaland.
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