Cole Palmer has become the first Chelsea player since Eden Hazard to win the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year award.

In just his first season in west London, the 22-year-old established himself as Blues’ main man, scoring 22 goals in the league to finish second in the Golden Boot, just five goals behind champion Erling Haaland.

Palmer has defeated rivals Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United as well as Bukayo Saka, the winner from the previous year.

In the meantime, Grace Clinton of Manchester United won the women’s award hands down.

Clinton played a mid-table season last year while on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, where he flourished in a club that seemed to be better than they were.

“The list (of previous winners) is full of amazing players, a lot of great players have won it so to be on that list is good.

“It was on my phone just to make me remind myself every day that it’s something to work towards.

“Chelsea is a great club with a lot of great players, all the players took to me when I first went there and especially the manager when I first went there. I want to win trophies with Chelsea but individual awards are nice as well.”

Palmer defeated Bukayo Saka and Kobbie Mainoo, two of his colleagues from England, who were also nominated, as was Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United.