Breaking: The list of nominees for the Premier League Young Player of the Season for 2023-24 is out
The list of nominees for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award for 2023-24 has been released by the league. While most of the names on the list were expected, there are a couple of faces who have hit the ground running in the league this season.
Without further ado, let’s take a detailed look at the nominees.
Nominees for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award
Phil Foden | Manchester City | Age: 23
Phil Foden has been the heartbeat for Manchester City in Kevin De Bruyne’s absence this season. The Belgian suffered an injury at the start of the season and missed several months, allowing youngsters such as Foden and Julian Alvarez the opportunity to step up.
The Stockport-born lad did so in style, netting 16 goals and providing eight assists in 32 PL games, making him one of the favourites to win it.
Erling Haaland | Manchester City | Age: 23
Erling Haaland had a rather slow start to this season compared to the last but has performed well and scored crucial goals for Manchester City. He currently leads the PL Golden Boot race with 25 goals in 28 appearances, and has also provided five assists for his teammates.
Kobbie Mainoo | Manchester United | Age: 19
One of the newer names on the list, Mainoo took Manchester United’s midfield by storm this season as injuries and lack of cohesiveness forced Erik ten Hag to turn to the academy stars. However, he has shown maturity beyond his years and has made one midfield spot his own.
He has made 21 Premier League appearances this season, scoring twice and providing one assist.
Destiny Udogie | Tottenham Hotspur | Age: 21
Another new name on the list, Udogie was phenomenal for Tottenham before suffering an injury that has kept him out of action for a couple of months. However, the young left-back has shown his potential on multiple occasions, be it in attacking moves or while defending.
He has made 28 appearances for Spurs this season, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
William Saliba | Arsenal | Age: 23
The 23-year-old Frenchman has been a crucial part of the Premier League’s best defence, which has allowed just 28 goals against them this season. City have the second best record having conceded five goals more. William Saliba has also been incredible regular and has barely missed a minute of PL game time this season.
He has made 36 appearances so far, and is on track to play each minute of all 38 games – something no Arsenal player has ever achieved so far. Saliba has also chipped-in with two goals and one assist.
Cole Palmer | Chelsea | Age: 22
Palmer has been one of the signings of the season, if not the best. His performances for Chelsea have kept them in a respectable position in the table for nearly the entire season, with a chance to finish in the top-seven still up for grabs.
Palmer has made 31 PL appearances so far, netting 21 goals and also providing nine assists.
Bukayo Saka | Arsenal | Age: 22
Bukayo Saka has been one of the best players for Arsenal and England over the last few years. His consistency is still improving each year as he plays an important role in taking the Gunners to where they want to be.
The winger has made 34 appearances in the PL so far, netting 16 goals and providing nine assists.
Alexander Isak | Newcastle United | Age: 24
Last, but not the least, is Newcastle’s Isak, who has shown incredible marksman skills over the course of this season. While injuries have kept him out periodically, the Swede’s numbers are a reflection of his ability to change games on his own.
Isak has made 27 Premier League appearances this season and has netted 20 times, providing one assist as well.
Who are the Top 3 favourites?
While winning the title carries a lot of weight, young players are usually exempt of the pressure of delivering the Premier League while being considered for the award.
Phil Foden is the clear favourite to win the award this season following his growth from strength to strength for Manchester City. He has shown incredible maturity and delivered the goods when his team’s backs were against the wall.
The second favourite would be Cole Palmer, who has single-handedly galvanized a Chelsea side in desperate need of leaders on the pitch. To put it into perspective, Palmer’s 21 strikes account for 30% of Chelsea’s Premier League goals, that too in his first season with the club.
The outsider favourite to win the award would be Kobbie Mainoo, whose inclusion in Manchester United’s XI’s breathed new life into the team as well as the fans. He also made his senior debut for England in March in friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. Aged just 19, he is also the youngest player on the list.
Regardless, youngsters have performed superbly for their teams in another dazzling Premier League campaign so far.
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