The Professional Footballers’ Association have unveiled six nominees for the 2024 PFA Young Player of the Year Award.
This year’s shortlist is jammed with stars and upcoming talents who all put up quite brilliant displays for their teams. Let’s take you through the profile of the nominees and their performances for their respective clubs in the said year
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka, who won the 2022/23 edition of the award has been nominated for the coveted laurel after another fine season with Arsenal. Bukayo Saka passed his 22nd birthday in September 2023 and continued to build further on his already excellent reputation.
During the whole of the 23/24 season, he played a crucial role in Arsenal’s challenge for the Premier League title, helping the team finish as runners-up for the second season in a row. The England winger scored 16 goals and provided nine assists in 35 appearances for the Gunners.
Kobbie Maino (Manchester United)
Manchester United academy product Kobbie Mainoo had an absolutely giant breakthrough year into the first team in the 2023/24 season.
An ankle injury, sustained at the very kickoff of the season, seemed not to matter at all as Mainoo quickly regained his stride in the first-team setup of Erik ten Hag. It was difficult to conceive that the combative 18-year-old would take the Premier League by storm with his showstopping performances.
He featured 24 times for Manchester United this season, scoring three goals and providing an assist playing from midfield. The teen became renowned for his effective ball control, correct positioning, and the ability to control games at will from his central midfield position for Manchester United.
Michael Olise – Bayern Munich/Crystal Palace
Michael Olise had a terrific final Premier League season with Crystal Palace before the high-profile move to Bayern Munich this summer. He showcased his pacesetting skills in the wing with great creativity and technical abilities. Although making just 19 appearances for the Eagles, he scored ten goals and six assists.
The set-piece specialist will hope to continue his top-level performances for Bayern Munich following his move to the Bundesliga side. Meanwhile, he could clinch the 2024 PFA Young Player of The Season Award.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Cole Palmer is among the new bright talent in the Premier League. Having joined Chelsea from Manchester City last summer, Palmer took his game to a whole new level with his advanced attacking display and intelligence with the ball. He proved a constant threat to the opposition’s defense.
The fast-rising England star banged in 22 goals in 33 matches for Chelsea last term. He is a top favorite to clinch the 2024 PFA Award.
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
Garnacho’s campaign with Manchester United has continued to scale giddy heights. The Argentine winger has turned into one of the most prolific forwards for Erik ten Hag’s side, with velocity, directness, and an ability to turn a game on its head. Garnacho scored seven times in 36 games for Manchester United and provided four assists.
The Argentine’s nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year is quite indicative of his hard work and steady rise in his burgeoning career.
Joao Pedro (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Joao Pedro was one player who made one of the most spirited debut seasons in the Premier League. Signed from Watford in the summer of 2023 the Brazilian forward adapted quickly to the playing philosophy at Brighton & Hove and was one of the important figures in their attacking line.
His technical, creative, and goal-scoring skills made him a standout performer for the Seagulls. He scored nine goals in 31 appearances for the club, providing three assists to earn a deserved nomination among the Young Player of the Year.
