It feels like just the other day we were observing the beginnings of Enzo Maresca’s tenure as Chelsea’s manager, curious about how his style would shape the team in contrast to last year.
Fast forward to now, and we’re already two-thirds through the season. The time has come to focus more on the finish line than the starting line.
Today, a question that crossed our minds was this: if the season wrapped up today, who would take the crown as Chelsea’s Player of the Season? It’s an intriguing topic for bettors. Though numerous platforms, like the well-regarded legalcasino.uk, offer betting insights, most would likely rate Cole Palmer as the frontrunner.
It’s not hard to understand why. Palmer’s been the standout—netting goals, setting up plays, and featuring prominently in Sky Sports promos—not to mention holding a top FIFA rating. But is he truly the best player we’ve seen this season? Some might argue otherwise, especially considering his recent dip in form.
As the team’s performances have faltered, Palmer has visibly grown more frustrated. This has turned into a feedback loop—struggles on the field prompt him to take on even more responsibility, trying riskier shots and passes that aren’t connecting.
He’s gone from scoring against the odds to missing what should be straightforward goals. His frustrations sometimes spill over onto teammates—as seen recently with Christopher Nkunku over a misjudged pass, though it seemed Palmer was more irritated with himself than anyone else.
Despite these issues, SofaScore still ranks him as Chelsea’s top player this season. While Palmer is certainly in the mix, who else deserves a mention? According to them, Enzo Fernandez is a close second. Although Fernandez has had some notable moments, labeling him as the second-best might be a stretch. Other names in the top five include Trevoh Chalobah, who possibly benefits from a successful stint at Crystal Palace, and Reece James, who hasn’t played enough to seriously contend for Player of the Season.
Our pick, however, would be Moises Caicedo, who ranks third in that list. From day one, he’s brought a level of consistency that’s hard to ignore and, at times, has been the glue holding the team together.
While the scoring metrics might favor goals over tackles, Caicedo’s numbers are impressive. He averages 1.4 interceptions and 2.9 tackles per game—showing dominance in regaining the ball and maintaining strong recovery stats at 5.8 per game.
On the offensive side, he keeps it straightforward yet effective, making 0.8 key passes per game with a notable 86% pass accuracy in rival territory. With limited support in midfield, he’s been crucial in keeping Chelsea competitive.
If Chelsea secures a top-four finish this season, much of that credit will owe to Caicedo’s efforts. He’d be a deserved recipient of the Player of the Season award.
For those interested in engaging deeper with Chelsea-related discussions, there’s an opportunity to feature on Talk Chelsea.
