The Chelsea Awards 2020, the annual banquet honouring Chelsea‘s best players and moments throughout the season, was officially cancelled the club announced Thursday.
Chelsea Awards Cancelled Due to Coronavirus
Chelsea Statement
The Blues announcement read, “Regrettably, due to the spread of COVID-19 and the ongoing lockdown across the United Kingdom … the event has now been cancelled.” And for those who bought tickets, they “will receive a full refund automatically by the end of the week.”
The awards show adds to the growing list of cancelled events regarding Chelsea, football, and the world at large. The club have not specified whether the event will take place at a later date no if the awards will still be given out, even without the gala event.
Young Players Robbed Of Glory
The awards ceremony is nothing more than a black-tie event and has no bearing on the season or club’s performance, of course. However, it still would have been nice to see who ultimately would receive the club’s honours.
Chelsea’s plethora of young players making an impact this year would have made it a tight race or Young Player Of The Year. Does 22-year-old Tammy Abraham deserve it for the goals he’s banging in? What about Mason Mount, 21, who has played almost every game as a playmaker in his first Premier League season?
Fikayo Tomori, 22, started a majority of the season in central defence, so will he get a shout? 20-year-old Reece James has forced club captain Cesar Azpilicueta out of position at right back. Surely that’s good for something, right?
21-year-old American Christian Pulisic became one of Chelsea’ most impactful players, although he couldn’t stay healthy for very long. So, would he have been in the running?
And even some of the most diehard fans would want to see 18-year-old Billy Gilmour get a nod after man of the match performances in the FA Cup against Liverpool and Premier League versus Everton. His manager would likely support the Scot’s claim on the award.
Unfortunately, the winner won’t get to walk up on stage to a smattering of applause and accept the award. Football is a team sport and may not be about individual awards; but, such an award would have meant more for the youngster.
Awards Up For Grabs
For Player Of The Year, midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho both boast strong claims. Captain Azpilicueta could be the dark horse candidate as well. And even one or two of the youngsters could challenge the veterans.
Goal of the year would have some lovely candidates as well. Any of Pulisic’s perfect hat trick against Burnley deserve an entry. Not to be outdone, Tomori’s screamer from 35 yards out against Wolves is at the top of the list as well.
All of Chelsea’s awards this season were up for grabs. Sadly, we won’t get to see any of the players recognized for their outstanding season or moments in front of their peers.
Who do you think deserves the awards at Chelsea (Players’ Player Of The Year is of course reserved for the players to vote on)? Let us know in the comments.
Player Of The Year?
Young Player Of The Year?
Goal Of The Year?
Academy Player Of The Year?
Ladies Player Of The Year?
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