Cole Palmer wins England Men’s Player of the Year award ahead of Kane, Saka, and Foden | OneFootball

Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer won the England Men’s Player of the Year award today, pipping teammates like Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City) and Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) to the prestigious prize.

Palmer has enjoyed a spectacular debut season in London following his move from Manchester City for £42.5 million. Since joining Chelsea, no Premier League player has registered more goal contributions, 28 goals and 16 assists.

The 22-year-old is a double-edged sword. He can score penalties, free-kicks, long shots, angled hits and more. He is also an elite creator. Only Bukayo Saka (13) has created more big chances than the Chelsea star (eight) this season in the English top flight.

Last term, he recorded 22 goals and 11 assists in 34 league appearances, and many wondered if he could carry that form into the new season. He has silenced those doubts with six goals and five assists in seven this term, showing that his first campaign was no fluke.

The England Player of the Year award is one of several accolades he has received for a terrific season. He won the Premier League Young Player of the Season award and is one of the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or. He also claimed the PFA Premier League Fans’ Player of the Year, Chelsea Men’s Players’ Player of the Season, and Player of the Season.

Despite Palmer’s stellar performances, England manager Gareth Southgate failed to utilise the former Manchester City star properly at the 2024 European Championship, a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.

Given Palmer’s impressive form and the fact that he changed the dynamics of most games when he came on, it is reasonable to question whether his inclusion in the starting line-up could have yielded different results for the Three Lions.

Palmer will be basking in the temporary appointment of Lee Carsley as the England manager. He will be eager for an opportunity to nail down a permanent spot in the XI during their coming Nation League fixtures against Finland and Greece.