"As the 2024 season draws to a close, Chelsea's standout performers are deserving of recognition. From the Blues' most consistent stars to their most improved talents, this year's crop of players has shown immense promise. In this article, we'll be dishing out Chelsea's 2024 awards, highlighting the individuals who have made a significant impact on the team's fortunes. Who will take home the coveted Best Player award? And which young gun will be crowned the most improved? Let's find out."
Even though 2024 was a turbulent year for Chelsea, there was hope.
After Mauricio Pochettino's one season at Stamford Bridge ended in May, Chelsea once again had a hole in their managerial staff. Instead of hiring a well-known player, the Blues chose Enzo Maresca, who was instrumental in Leicester City's return to the Premier League.
After a sluggish start in west London, the Italian has since settled in, and the two-time European winners' future is bright. Let's look more closely at Chelsea's 2024, even though fans will be excited to see what 2025 holds.
Best player - Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has been Chelsea's bright spot in 2024, and not even the most die-hard football fan can dispute that. Throughout the first part of the season, the Blues were frequently a one-man show, and Palmer's creativity and cunning were relied upon in every game.
The England international, who won the Premier League's Young Player of the Season award last season, has been a phenomenon since moving from Manchester to the capital at the start of 2023–2024. With his goals and assists, he frequently leads Chelsea to victory, demonstrating his priceless ability to make the tough seem easy.
Most improved player - Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson scored 17 goals last season despite receiving a lot of flak for his first season at Chelsea. Even though that total was tainted by frequent and well-publicized misses, the indications were overwhelmingly favorable for a young player adjusting to life in the most competitive division in the world.
Jackson maintained his excellent goal-scoring form at the start of Maresca's tenure and concluded the previous season with four goals in his final five Premier League games. Under the Italian coach, he scored nine goals in 2024 and changed from being a shaky finisher to a proficient shooter.
Best young player - Levi Colwill
Chelsea has gained notoriety for hiring young players almost entirely, and as a result, they currently have a team full of some of the best players in Europe. However, Levi Colwill, who was brilliant for the Blues in 2024, was their star young player.
Colwill quickly secured a starting spot in Chelsea's squad under Pochettino after an outstanding loan stint with Brighton & Hove Albion, a role he has kept comfortably since Maresca was hired.
The England international has been a dependable and remarkable presence in the middle of a backline that is always shifting. He possesses the self-assurance, athleticism, and tactical acumen of a senior player.
Top scorer - Cole Palmer
It should come as no surprise that Chelsea's top performer also tops their goalscoring charts. Palmer scored 29 goals in just 47 games for the Blues in all competitions during a demanding calendar year, which tied Liverpool star Mohamed Salah's record and put him just nine goals behind former Manchester City teammate Erling Haaland.
Palmer is still developing into a genuinely devastating offensive midfielder, and with 12 goals in 2024–25 so far, he has the potential to surpass his stellar 25 goals in 2023–24.
Best signing - Pedro Neto
Not one of Chelsea's several 2024 acquisitions has yet to settle in. The majority have had difficulty making an impression on a first team that is already established and full of stars, but Pedro Neto, their most costly summer acquisition, has shown encouraging early signs.
The top players in Europe have long admired the former Wolverhampton Wanderers winger, and his injuries have kept him from rising to the top. Chelsea spent £54 million throughout the summer.
For a player of Neto's caliber, three goals and four assists is not a terrible total, but the 24-year-old has the raw talent and potential to shine in the upcoming months and years.
Favorite moment: The late drama against Manchester United
In 2024, Chelsea had some difficult times and went trophyless, but they also had some really memorable games. The Blues, who frequently reserve their best for their more established opponents, pulled off one of the most incredible comebacks in Premier League history in April.
Palmer scored goals in the 100th and 101st minutes to secure an incredible 4-3 victory at Stamford Bridge, when they were trailing 3-2 against Manchester United in the final moments. It was the high point in a year that was frequently uneventful and a match that will be remembered for a very long time.