The battle of young stars in the APL: who truly deserves to be awarded to the young player of the season?

The official shortlist of the Premier League traditionally divides the football community. But this season, the intrigue has reached its peak. The criteria for awarding this prize are clear: being under 23 years old at the start of the championship, having stability, having a direct impact on the team’s performance, and having statistical efficiency. However, behind those dry numbers lies a context that determines who truly deserves to win.

In this competition, several names stand out. Each of them represents a different type of breakthrough. Cole Palmer has become the main tactician for Chelsea, delivering outstanding performances and key passes in crucial matches. Alejandro Garciño and Koby Mejn have shown that Manchester United’s academy continues to produce players of the highest level, ready for top-tier positions. Bukayo Saka’s move from a talented winger to a leading attacker for Arsenal has become a benchmark of progress.

Who should receive this award? If we look at the metrics such as xG+xA, decisive actions, the percentage of successful dribbles, and the ability to pressure the opponent, Palmer seems to be the clear favorite. He not only completes attacks, but he also sets the pace of the team’s play under high-pressure situations. But the award for a young player isn’t just about goals. It’s also about tactical maturity, working without the ball, adapting to different strategies, and being able to carry the team through difficult times. In these aspects, Sakai and Mejn have strong arguments.

My professional opinion: The award should go to someone whose season wasn’t just a flash in the pan, but a systematic breakthrough. In these circumstances, it’s Cole Palmer. But if we consider his long-term contribution to the team’s chemistry and his ability to withstand the pressures of the top league, then the award might go to Garciño or Saka. The final decision will depend not only on the numbers, but also on whose story is more convincing to experts and fans.