Gilchrist, who took over captain duties following Bashir Humphreys’ loan to Paderborn during the season, has been nominated for the accolade following a campaign in which he started 22 of a possible 26 games.

The young defender scored one goal and assisted on one occasion but his recognition for this award will be mostly for his defensive contribution to a Chelsea side that finished third in the PL2.

He has continued to show durability and availability while being defensively secure as he played 90 minutes in six of our seven clean sheets this season.

The young Blues skipper was also nominated for the PL2 Player for the Month of February.

Development squad head coach Mark Robinson said on Gilchrist's nomination:

'It is really pleasing that Alfie has been nominated being a defender. He has shown excellent consistency in his play, as well as taking himself out his comfort zone in terms of what we have asked him to do on the ball. His approach to all aspects of training has been first class and the nomination is fully deserved'.

The full list of nominees is:

Dominic Ballard (Southampton), Oscar Bobb (Manchester City), Carlos Borges (Manchester City), Reyes Cleary (West Bromwich Albion) Mateo Joseph Fernandez (Leeds United), Adedire Mebude (Manchester City), Jack Wells-Morrison (Crystal Palace).

The shortlist was selected by a panel of Premier League representatives after PL2 managers had nominated the best individual performance from each of their opponents over the season. The panel will also determine the winner who will be announced on Monday.