Haaland, Saka, Odegaard Lead EPL Young Player Of The Year Shortlist

The Premier League has unveiled the highly anticipated shortlist for the Young Player of the Season award, featuring eight outstanding talents who have left an indelible mark on the 2022-23 campaign.

Arsenal has emerged as the frontrunner, with three of their young stars making the cut -- Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Erling Haaland, the 22-year-old Norwegian striker, stands out as the standout name on the list after a phenomenal season with Manchester City. Haaland's astonishing record of 36 goals in just 33 Premier League appearances showcases his incredible prowess in front of goal. Despite being the sole representative from Manchester City, his remarkable performance has not gone unnoticed.

Arsenal, the likely runners-up this season, have enjoyed a fantastic campaign and their young core has played a significant role in their resurgence.

Vote to crown your @Hublot Young Player of the Season! ✨

? Sven Botman
?️ @MoisesCaicedo55
? @ErlingHaaland
? Alexander Isak
?️ @alemacallister
? @gabimartinelli
? Martin Odegaard
? @BukayoSaka87#PLAwards | ?️ https://t.co/veMLuO7dN5 pic.twitter.com/LUAcBvZapT

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 18, 2023

The Gunners' trio of Gabriel Martinelli (21), Bukayo Saka (21), and Martin Odegaard (24) have all earned nominations for their exceptional contributions. Martinelli has been a revelation with 15 goals and five assists, while Saka has impressed with 13 goals and 11 assists. Odegaard, despite being slightly older than the other nominees, has excelled as the team captain, registering 15 goals and seven assists. Their combined efforts have helped Arsenal reclaim a spot in the top four for the first time since 2017, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister also secured spots on the shortlist. Caicedo's combative displays in midfield have made him a standout performer, providing an all-action presence for his team. Mac Allister's impressive ten goals have reportedly garnered attention from clubs like Liverpool, indicating his growing reputation in the league.

The list is completed by Newcastle United's defensive stalwart Sven Botman and the talented Alexander Isak. Botman has earned plaudits for his brave and aggressive displays in the heart of the defence, while Isak has made a swift impact since joining from Real Sociedad, scoring ten goals in just 14 starts.

Notably absent from the shortlist are representatives from Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham, reflecting the challenging seasons endured by these clubs.

The winner of the Young Player of the Season award will be announced at the Premier League's annual awards ceremony, where the exceptional contributions of these rising stars will be celebrated and recognized.

Young Player Short List

- Sven Botman (Newcastle United)

- Moises Caicedo (Brighton & Hove Albion)

- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

- Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)

- Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton & Hove Albion)

- Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

- Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)