The PFA Young Player of the Year award is given to the best young player in the Premier League each season. So, who will scoop the illustrious prize this year?
Players must be aged 21 or under at the start of the season to be eligible for the award.
Manchester City’s Phil Foden has won the previous two awards, while notable past winners include David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Harry Kane.
With the end of the campaign on the horizon, it’s time to discuss the top contenders for the 2022-23 PFA Young Player of the Year award.
It is easy to forget that Bukayo Saka is still only 21. After all, the Arsenal superstar has already made more than 170 appearances for his club, in addition to 26 appearances for England.
Saka has taken his game to another level this season, racking up 13 goals and 11 assists in 32 Premier League outings. Regardless of whether Arsenal win the title, Saka will likely remain the favourite to win the Young Player of the Year award.
Another young Gunner enjoying a phenomenal season is Gabriel Martinelli. The 21-year-old Brazilian has notched 15 goals and five assists in 32 league games this term, making him the club’s top scorer in all competitions.
Martinelli has been on fire in recent weeks, grabbing eight goals and three assists across the past 10 matches. Accordingly, he will fancy his chances of beating Saka to the award.
Brighton have enjoyed a remarkable 2022-23 campaign up to now, taking 49 points from 29 games to remain in contention for a European spot. All the while, Moises Caicedo has caught the eye.
The Ecuadorian youngster has featured in all but one of Brighton’s Premier League matches this term, anchoring the midfield while linking defence and attack. As a result, Caicedo is in line for a big-money move in the summer.
Jacob Ramsey has made 25 Premier League starts for Aston Villa this season, bagging four goals and five assists along the way. With Unai Emery’s side pushing for European football, Ramsey must be given huge credit for his exploits.
Sadly, William Saliba has missed the past few games due to injury and could remain sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. The French centre-back has played a key role in Arsenal’s title bid and should be included in the YPOTY conversation.