The Premier League have announced an eight-man shortlist for their Young Player of the Season – with Arsenal leading the way with three names nominated.
The 2022-23 campaign was the year when a handful of young talents got to showcase their ability – with 22-year-old Erling Haaland arguably the standout name after blitzing his way to 36 goals in 33 Premier League games.
He makes the list as the only name from Manchester City despite their incredible season as they look to seal the Premier League title with a win against Chelsea this weekend.
Likely runners-up Arsenal have still had a terrific season despite falling away in the title race and their core of young stars have helped them back into the top four for the first time since 2017 – which has been recognised in the shortlist.
Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, both 21, and Martin Odegaard – who is 24 but started the season aged 23 – all make the selection.
The Premier League have revealed their eight-man shortlist for Young Player of the Season
Martinelli has wowed with 15 goals and five assists, while Saka has 13 goals and 11 assists. Gunners skipper Odegaard boasts 15 goals and seven assists – with all three combining to make Arsenal one of the most feared teams this campaign.
Also representing their clubs were Brighton duo Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister.
The two midfielders have been key men under Roberto De Zerbi this season – with Caicedo impressive with his all-action, combative displays in the middle of the park. He’s enjoyed 31 starts, playing 2,826 minutes and has given the Seagulls a real presence as the engine room of their team.
As for Mac Allister, he’s netted ten times and his performances are already rumoured to be creating interest from the likes of Liverpool.
Three Arsenal players have been named on the shortlist, as have two from Newcastle
Erling Haaland has also been included on the shortlist after scoring 36 goals and 33 games
Completing the list were another duo from Newcastle – Sven Botman and Alexander Isak. Botman has won plaudits for his brave and aggressive displays in the heart of defence while Isak has made a quick impression since joining from Real Sociedad – scoring 10 goals in 14 starts.
There are no names from Manchester United on the list – despite some hopeful Red Devils supporters tipping Alejandro Garnacho for a spot on the list.
And Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham also had no representatives after their turbulent campaigns.
Fans can place their vote for Young Player of the season here – and can also make their picks for manager of the season too.
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta the leading names alongside Roberto de Zerbi and Eddie Howe – but Erik ten Hag is a notable omission.
Six managers have been put up for the prestigious award after an entertaining domestic season that saw a handful of clubs surpass expectations and challenge some of the league’s elite clubs.
The Premier League also named six coaches nominated for manager of the season
Newcastle boss Howe will be seen as a strong contender for the gong with the Magpies in the top four for much of the season and hoping to secure a famous Champions League spot in the next three games.
And with Brighton currently in sixth place and on course to secure a Europa League spot ahead of Tottenham, manager Roberto De Zerbi has also been recognised for his incredible work at the AMEX.
Not far behind the Seagulls are Aston Villa in eighth place under Unai Emery – who has also been nominated after transforming the team at Villa Park. The Villans looked in serious danger of being relegated before the Spaniard took over and they are now battling for a place in Europe.
There’s also a place for Marco Silva, whose Fulham side are on course for a top half finish in their first season back in the Premier League.
But some fans will be left scratching their heads after Ten Hag and Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neill were left out.
source:dailymail.co.uk
