Cole Palmer reveals why he loves Chelsea player of the season but hints at major issue

Cole Palmer, unsurprisingly, was named Chelsea's player of the season at last night's awards evening. The £45million summer signing from Manchester City has surprised many football fans with his match-winning performances in this campaign with the 22-year-old scoring 26 goals and grabbing 13 assists from 46 appearances in all competitions.

In yet another underwhelming season for the Blues, Palmer has undoubtedly been the shining light with his stunning impact, in the eyes of some, placing him alongside the likes of Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka. The Blues have lost just once in the league since February with that defeat a heavy one at the hands of Arsenal that arrived without Palmer.

Surrounding the clash, with Mauricio Pochettino admitting he was a doubt, Palmer's importance to the team was at the forefront with it clear after the 5-0 loss how worse Chelsea would likely be without him. "Maybe with him, the team today, maybe it could be the same situation," Pochettino said when asked if Chelsea are too reliant on Palmer.

"But of course, Palmer is doing well for us. He is the only player we have, a playmaker who links all the lines in the team. When you miss a player like this, it is not easy to replace." Since his return from the illness that saw him miss the London derby, Palmer has contributed to just one goal and yet the Blues have won their last three games.

The likes of Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher, although the latter has impressed all season, have stepped up in front of goal. However, Palmer believes a different player deserves plaudits with the Chelsea attacker describing Malo Gusto as amazing when revealing who he voted as player of the season.

“I voted for Malo Gusto [for Chelsea player of the season]," Palmer admitted while at the club's awards ceremony. "I love playing with him on the right. He’s been amazing this season when he’s played as well.” In the absence of captain Reece James due to injury, Gusto has performed admirably but his own muscular issues have left Chelsea with a bit of a worry.

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While picking up eight assists from all 34 games in all competitions, the Frenchman has suffered three separate injuries this season and at only 20, that is a worrying trend. Unlike James though, all of Gusto's absences have been short-term with the right-back returning from his latest problem over the weekend against West Ham.