Premier League Awards (Part 1): MVP and Best Display
The curtain has closed on an exhilarating Premier League 2024/25 season, delivering a wealth of unforgettable moments and top-tier football. Among the many highlights, two standout performances defined the campaign: Mohamed Salah’s exceptional season with Liverpool, earning him the MVP award, and Cole Palmer’s extraordinary single-game heroics for Chelsea.
Let’s dive into the defining achievements of the season, starting with the most valuable player and then spotlighting the best single-match performance.
MVP/Player of the Season: Mohamed Salah, Liverpool
Awarding Mohamed Salah the title of Most Valuable Player for the 2024-25 Premier League season is a decision that comes as no surprise. The Egyptian forward has once again proven his prowess, setting new records and demonstrating unparalleled consistency on the pitch.
From a statistical perspective, Salah’s output has been nothing short of phenomenal. At the time of writing, he boasts 28 goals and 18 assists, marking the highest total of goal contributions (46) in a 38-game Premier League season. This astonishing figure surpasses Thierry Henry’s 44 contributions in the 2002-03 season and places Salah just two away from equalling the all-time record of 47, jointly held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole.
But Salah’s excellence transcended the numbers. In a season where Liverpool transitioned to a new era under manager Arne Slot, the 32-year-old became an even more crucial figure. Slot, recognising Salah’s importance, recalibrated his role by reducing defensive responsibilities and maximising his attacking potential. As Salah explained in an interview with Sky Sports, “I told him, ‘As long as you rest me defensively, I will provide offensively.'”
This tactical shift paid dividends. Salah remained fresher throughout matches and exhibited sharper instincts in front of goal. All of his goals were scored inside the box, highlighting a more direct and dangerous approach. He also led the league in creating clear-cut chances for teammates, reinforcing his dual role as both finisher and playmaker.
One standout period was December, during which Salah amassed 15 goal involvements. This dominant stretch proved pivotal to Liverpool’s title-winning campaign and demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.
Although his form dipped slightly towards the end of the season – with just one goal and one assist in his final eight appearances – it’s essential not to succumb to recency bias. Salah’s contribution across the campaign was nothing short of monumental. As Slot noted after a rare defeat to Brighton, Salah’s season had been “almost inhuman.”
Despite the late-season lull, Salah’s influence was undeniable. He led the Golden Boot race, a remarkable feat for a player primarily positioned as a winger. His role continues to blur the lines between traditional positions, and his adaptability sets him apart from other attackers.
Beyond the individual honours, Salah’s leadership and relentless drive were instrumental in guiding Liverpool to the top of the table. His season showcased a unique blend of skill, maturity, and tactical intelligence, all under the pressure of a managerial transition and an ageing squad.
For all these reasons, Mohamed Salah rightly claims the MVP crown for 2024-25. His impact this season solidifies his status as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats, and arguably, a top-five player in its history.
Best Display: Cole Palmer (Chelsea 4-2 Brighton, 28 September)
Early in the season, Chelsea hosted Brighton in what many anticipated would be a tightly contested fixture. Under the stewardship of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea had enjoyed a promising start, and this encounter would prove to be a landmark moment in their campaign.
While the match itself ended 4-2 in Chelsea’s favour, it was Cole Palmer’s mesmerising first-half performance that stole the spotlight and etched his name into the Premier League record books.
Palmer became the first player in league history to score four goals in the opening half of a match. He found the net in the 21st, 28th, 31st, and 41st minutes, demonstrating a masterclass in finishing, positioning, and composure.
One of his standout moments came via a sensational free-kick for his third goal, arguably one of the best set-piece strikes of the entire season. His precision and confidence in front of goal highlighted his rise as Chelsea’s most influential attacking figure.
Palmer’s dominance didn’t end there. Despite having another goal ruled out for offside and hitting the post, he continued to torment the Brighton defence with his relentless energy and technical skill. His impact extended into the second half, where he came close to adding a fifth goal, narrowly missing the target.
What makes this performance even more astonishing is the sheer scale of Palmer’s influence within a single half of football. In just 20 minutes, he delivered a level of individual brilliance rarely seen, turning the tide of the match single-handedly.
Chelsea 4-2 Brighton | P4LMER bags ALL FOUR! – HIGHLIGHTS | Premier League 2024/25
This display also marked a significant milestone in Palmer’s career. That day, he became the first Chelsea player since Diego Costa to net 20 goals in a calendar year – a testament to his consistency and development into a key player for the Blues.
Palmer’s performance against Brighton was not merely about the goals. It was a reflection of his burgeoning talent and his ability to deliver under pressure. He controlled the tempo, dictated play, and provided Chelsea with a spark that proved decisive.
This match serves as a prime example of a standout Premier League performance that will be talked about for years to come. Cole Palmer’s four-goal half ranks among the most extraordinary individual efforts in league history, a moment where everything aligned to produce magic on the pitch.
Conclusion
The Premier League 2024-25 season was filled with memorable moments and remarkable displays, but two performances tower above the rest. Mohamed Salah’s historic MVP season for Liverpool redefined offensive excellence and underlined his legacy in English football. Meanwhile, Cole Palmer’s four-goal masterclass against Brighton provided a glimpse into the future of Chelsea and the next generation of Premier League stars.
Together, these two players exemplified the best of what the Premier League has to offer – skill, passion, and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. As the season concludes, their feats stand as enduring reminders of a campaign rich in quality and drama.
Stay tuned with EPLNews for more Premier League awards after this memorable 2024/25 season!