The PFA Awards are just around the corner, and the excitement is building up. The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has announced the nominees for the young player of the year awards, and it’s a talented bunch. Among the nominees are Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer for the men’s award, while Chelsea’s Lauren James and Manchester City’s Khiara Keating are contenders for the women’s honor. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, 20 August.
The Men’s Nominees: A Talent Pool of Young Stars
The men’s nominees include some of the most exciting young players in the Premier League. Bukayo Saka, who won the award in 2022-23, is once again in the running after scoring 16 goals and providing nine assists from the wing in the Premier League last season. The 22-year-old England international has been in fantastic form and will be a strong contender for the award.
Cole Palmer, also 22, has had a remarkable season with Chelsea, contributing to 33 goals, including 22 of his own. The former Manchester City player joined Chelsea on 1 September last year and has quickly established himself as a key player for the Blues. Palmer’s impressive performances have also earned him a place in the England team, where he has been instrumental in their run to the Euro 2024 final.
Representing Manchester United on the PFA men’s shortlist are Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. Midfielder Mainoo, 19, has developed into an important part of Erik ten Hag’s first team and has also featured in England’s Euros campaign. Mainoo scored the second goal against Manchester City as United won the FA Cup final 2-1 at Wembley in May.
Alejandro Garnacho, 20, was a threat on both flanks for United last season, scoring 10 goals in all competitions. The Argentine forward got the first goal in the cup final and has been an exciting addition to the United team. Michael Olise, who moved from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich in the summer, is also on the PFA list. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 19 league appearances during 2023-24.
Brighton’s Joao Pedro: A Dark Horse in the Running
Brighton and Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro completes the nominees. The 22-year-old Brazilian forward scored 20 goals in all competitions and has been a key player for the Seagulls. Pedro’s impressive performances have caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, and he could be a dark horse in the running for the award.
Awards Ceremony: A Celebration of Young Talent
The PFA Awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 20 August, and will be a celebration of young talent in English football. The event will recognize the achievements of the young players who have made a significant impact in the Premier League and Women’s Super League. The winners will be announced, and it will be interesting to see who takes home the coveted awards.
The Women’s Nominees: A Star-Studded Lineup
The women’s nominees include some of the most talented young players in the Women’s Super League. Chelsea’s Lauren James is among the favorites for the award after scoring 13 goals in 16 games to help her team win the Women’s Super League. The 22-year-old England forward has been in fantastic form and will be a strong contender for the award.
Khiara Keating, 20, is also in the running for the award after winning the WSL’s Golden Glove prize. The Manchester City goalkeeper kept nine clean sheets and conceded the fewest goals in the league, earning her a place on the PFA shortlist. James’ Chelsea teammate Aggie Beever-Jones, 21, scored 11 league goals in a breakthrough season and has also made her England debut.
Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier: A Defensive Rock
Manchester United defender Maya Le Tissier, 22, has been an ever-present in the league and has helped United beat Tottenham 4-0 in the Women’s FA Cup final. Le Tissier has been a defensive rock for United and has earned her place on the PFA shortlist.
A Star-Studded Lineup: Who Will Take Home the Award?
The women’s nominees are a star-studded lineup, and it will be interesting to see who takes home the award. The PFA Awards ceremony will recognize the achievements of these talented young players, and it will be a celebration of women’s football in England.
The PFA Awards are a highly anticipated event in the English football calendar, and this year’s nominees are an exciting bunch. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, 20 August, and it will be interesting to see who takes home the coveted awards.