Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka Highlight Young Player Of The Year Candidates

The Professional Footballers Association has released its shortlist for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award. The award, given to the best player in English Football under the age of 21 (previously 23) at the start of the 2021-22 season is voted on by members of the players’ union and thus considered to be quite prestigious. 

Notably, this year the list is made up of only English players. 

PFA Player Of The Year Award Candidates

Last year’s winner Phil Foden put together another impressive season and helped Manchester City to a league title with nine goals and five assists. Should Foden repeat the award, he will be in impressive company. Ryan Giggs, Robbie Fowler, Wayne Rooney and Dele Alli are the only players to win the award multiple times. 

Foden was outscored and out-assisted by Bukayo Saka, who Arsenal fans will say has a strong case for the award. The other favorite for the award is Chelsea fullback Reese James, who was a key player for Chelsea and arguably the best right back in the Premier League, though he missed a large portion of the season because of injury. 

Saka is accompanied on the shortlist by his Arsenal teammate, sparkling super-sub Emile Smith Rowe. Crystal Palace midfielder Connor Gallagher, who enjoyed a breakout season while on loan from Chelsea, and Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey round out the six. 

▪️ Phil Foden
▪️ Conor Gallagher
▪️ Reece James
▪️ Bukayo Saka
▪️ Jacob Ramsey
▪️ Emile Smith Rowe

The 2022 PFA Young Player of the Year nominees ✨ pic.twitter.com/50SNO9R4BK

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 1, 2022

The winner will be announced on June 9.