Arsenal’s young talent, Bukayo Saka, showcased his football prowess in every single one of his team’s 38 Premier League matches during the previous season. The agile forward found the back of the net on 14 occasions, contributing significantly to his side’s success as they secured a commendable second-place finish in the Premier League standings.
Rising as a prominent figure, Arsenal‘s shining star Bukayo Saka clinched the coveted Young Player of the Year accolade, following a truly unforgettable campaign both for his beloved Gunners and the national team, England.
Bukayo Saka (left) has been named the PFA Young Player of the Year
At the age of 21, Saka’s remarkable journey saw him netting a total of 22 goals across his performances for both club and country throughout the previous season. His standout displays during the World Cup for England underlined his exceptional talent, while also serving as a vital cog in Arsenal’s spirited pursuit of the league title.
In another spotlight, the divisional honors found their way to Chuba Akpom, who illuminated the scene with his exceptional contributions last season at Middlesbrough. His stellar performances not only earned him recognition but also paved the way for his transition from the Championship to the prestigious realm of Ajax.
Conor Chaplin, a standout player from Ipswich Town, rightfully claimed the prestigious League One Player of the Year award, while Andy Cook of Bradford proudly secured the League Two accolade. The Premier League, the zenith of football excellence, honored its standout performers through the following distinguished lineup: Ramsdale guarding the goal; Trippier, Stones, Dias, and Saliba fortifying the defense; De Bruyne and Rodri commanding the midfield; Odegaard adding creative spark; and Saka, Haaland, and Kane forming an explosive attacking trio.
Saka has already scored twice this season
Bukayo Saka’s prominence knew no bounds as he left an indelible mark on Arsenal’s Premier League campaign, engaging in all 38 games and emerging as a linchpin for the Gunners. His resolute presence significantly contributed to Arsenal’s commendable second-place finish, narrowly trailing behind the champions, Manchester City. Saka’s brilliance wasn’t confined to the domestic scene; his exceptional performances in Qatar post-Euro 2021 final heartbreak showcased his resilience and prowess in the most splendid manner possible.
Continuing his momentum, Saka has embarked on the current season with the same electrifying fervor. He found the back of the net on the inaugural weekend during Arsenal’s triumph over Nottingham Forest. Moreover, he showcased his scoring prowess once again in the thrilling 2-2 draw against Fulham last Saturday.
Saka’s deserving recognition as the awardee is a maiden triumph for him, with the honor previously being held by Phil Foden in the preceding two seasons. The most recent talent from the iconic north London club to secure the esteemed PFA Young Player of the Year title was Jack Wilshere, marking his achievement after the 2010/11 season.
In a testament to Arsenal’s thriving youth academy, Saka is accompanied by three of his teammates in the distinguished team of the year. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale secures his rightful place, and defender William Saliba, although his season was cut short due to injury, is also acknowledged. Saliba’s absence in the crucial phase of the campaign was widely acknowledged as a pivotal factor contributing to Arsenal’s temporary setback.
Leading the pack, skipper Martin Odegaard rightfully secures his place in the lineup, a decision met with little surprise. However, the spotlight undoubtedly belongs to Manchester City, whose influence resonates the strongest. The defensive prowess of John Stones and Ruben Dias forms the bedrock of the team’s center-back positions, while the midfield dynamism is defined by the presence of Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri.
As anticipated, the prolific Erling Haaland rightfully claims his place, his name synonymous with topping the Premier League goalscoring charts, an astonishing feat accomplished with a record-breaking 36 goals. Expanding the horizons beyond the top two contenders, Newcastle’s adept full-back, Kieran Trippier, secures a well-deserved inclusion.
Completing the attacking trio alongside Saka and Haaland is the former Tottenham striker, Harry Kane. This marks the illustrious player’s sixth appearance on such a distinguished roster, potentially being his final inclusion as he embarks on a new chapter with Bayern Munich.
