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PFA announce six-player shortlist for Young Player of the Year award
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Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho among nominees
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Bukayo Saka eligible to win award for second successive season
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has unveiled the six-player shortlist for the 2023/24 Young Player of the Year award. This prestigious award is open to footballers aged 21 and under at the start of the season, with the winner being chosen by votes from active PFA union members.
Bukayo Saka, who won the 2022/23 award, is in the running to defend his title after being nominated again for the following season. Saka, who turned 22 in September 2023, just made the age cut-off by one month.
The Arsenal winger had another stellar season, contributing 16 goals and nine assists in 35 Premier League games as Arsenal finished as runners-up to Manchester City for the second consecutive year.
Manchester United has two players on the shortlist: Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho, already a key member of the first team, registered seven goals and four assists across 36 appearances.
Meanwhile, Mainoo had a breakout season after recovering from an ankle injury, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 24 games from midfield.
Cole Palmer is another strong contender for the award after a remarkable debut season with Chelsea. He delivered 33 goal involvements—22 goals and 11 assists—in just 33 matches, marking him as one of the frontrunners.
Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro, one of the two nominees not from a traditional ‘big six’ club, impressed after his summer move from Watford. He played 31 games for the Seagulls, netting nine goals and providing three assists.
The final nominee, Michael Olise, now with Bayern Munich, earned his place on the shortlist following a standout final season with Crystal Palace. Despite playing only 19 games, Olise managed to score ten goals and provide six assists before his move to Germany in July.
The winners of the PFA awards will be announced on August 20.
PFA Young Player of the Year. 🏆
The Top Six. Chosen by the players. ⬇️
#PFAawards pic.twitter.com/bU5tOTgKIy— Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) August 12, 2024