Chelsea’s 2024 was a rollercoaster year, marked by inconsistency and change. The Blues began the year under Mauricio Pochettino, who struggled to find stability. However, the arrival of Enzo Maresca in the summer brought renewed hope, as the Italian manager gradually steadied the ship.
Let’s dive into Chelsea’s standout performers and defining moments from the past year.
Best Player: Cole Palmer 🏅
Cole Palmer was the undeniable star of Chelsea’s 2024 campaign, consistently delivering brilliance in a challenging year.
- Impact: The England international’s creative genius often carried the team, providing crucial goals and assists.
- Accolades: After joining Chelsea at the start of the 2023/24 season, Palmer ended the term as the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season.
- Stats: 29 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions, cementing his status as Chelsea’s go-to man.
Most Improved Player: Nicolas Jackson 🌟
After a shaky start to his Chelsea career, Nicolas Jackson transformed into a reliable goalscorer in 2024.
- Early Struggles: His debut season was marked by inconsistency and missed chances.
- Turning Point: Jackson found his form towards the end of Pochettino’s tenure and continued to thrive under Maresca, scoring nine goals under the new manager.
- Growth: From an unpolished talent to a clinical finisher, Jackson’s evolution has been remarkable.
Best Young Player: Levi Colwill 👶
In a squad filled with promising talent, Levi Colwill stood out as Chelsea’s brightest young star.
- Background: After an impressive loan spell at Brighton, Colwill seamlessly transitioned into Chelsea’s starting XI.
- Strengths: His confidence, athleticism, and tactical awareness made him a cornerstone of Chelsea’s defense.
- Role: Despite frequent changes in the backline, Colwill provided much-needed stability throughout the year.
Top Scorer: Cole Palmer ⚽
It’s no surprise that Palmer also led Chelsea’s scoring charts in 2024.
- Goals: A staggering 29 goals in 47 matches, matching Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and trailing only Erling Haaland in the Premier League.
- Potential: With 12 goals already in the 2024/25 season, Palmer is on track to surpass his previous record.
Best Signing: Pedro Neto 🧤
Chelsea’s recruitment in 2024 wasn’t without its challenges, but Pedro Neto showed glimpses of his immense potential.
- Details: Signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £54 million, Neto arrived with high expectations.
- Performance: While his tally of three goals and four assists might seem modest, his raw talent and creativity promise brighter days ahead.
- Outlook: If Neto remains injury-free, he could become a pivotal player for Chelsea in the future.
Best Moment: Stunning Comeback Against Manchester United 🏆
Though Chelsea went without silverware in 2024, they delivered unforgettable moments, none more dramatic than their April comeback against Manchester United.
- Scenario: Trailing 3-2 at Stamford Bridge in the dying minutes, Chelsea staged a miraculous turnaround.
- Key Moments: Goals from Cole Palmer in the 100th and 101st minutes secured an extraordinary 4-3 victory.
- Legacy: This game epitomized Chelsea’s fighting spirit and remains a highlight of an otherwise turbulent year.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With Enzo Maresca finding his rhythm and the squad brimming with young talent, Chelsea fans have reasons for optimism. While 2024 was a year of rebuilding, the foundations laid promise a brighter and more consistent future for the Blues.