Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka should be named Premier League Young Player of the Season based on his efforts this season.
Rio Ferdinand has high praise for Arsenal star Bukayo Saka. (Image: Getty / BT Sport)
The England man got on the scoresheet once again as he gave the Gunners the lead inside the opening two minutes away to Brighton on Saturday before Martin Odegaard doubled the lead just before half-time.
Gabriel Martinelli cut inside and took on a shot that was deflected twice before it found its way to Saka, who controlled the ball well before finishing past Robert Sanchez. The strike was his sixth of the season in the league, in addition to six assists in 15 appearances.
Ferdinand quickly took to social media to praise the Arsenal talisman, claiming that he and Erling Haaland should scoop this season’s awards. “#Saka is PL young player of the year already….hand it to him asap….and give Haaland the senior award too while ya at it!!” Ferdinand tweeted.
Saka’s goal could help steer his side seven points clear at the top of the table, as rivals Manchester City and Newcastle both drew to Everton and Leeds respectively on Saturday. Haaland, Ferdinand’s favourite to win the Player of the Season award, scored his 21st league goal of the season in the first half but Demarai Gray’s second-half strike ensured that the points were shared while a stalemate was played out at St James’ Park.
Phil Foden has won the previous two Young Player of the Season awards as his side claimed back-to-back league titles, and is in contention for the honour this season also. The accolade is presented to the best player aged 23 or younger in the division, meaning Haaland could also compete with Saka for the award as he is just 22.
Though the Norwegian striker would be the favourite to win both awards, Saka could have an advantage if he leads Arsenal to the title. Since the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award was created in 2019, all three winners have also won the title in the same year.
Bukayo Saka giving Arsenal the lead away to Brighton. (Image: Getty)
#saka is PL young player of the year already….hand it to him asap….and give Haaland the senior award too while ya at it!!
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 31, 2022
The PFA award, which has been running since 1974, has only seen three players pick up both the senior and young player trophies. Andy Gray did so in the 1976/77 season, Cristiano Ronaldo in 2006/07 and Gareth Bale in 2012/13.
If Saka does pip Haaland to the youth award, he would become the first Arsenal player to do so since Jack Wilshere in 2011, and only the third Gunner in the 21st century following Wilshere and Cesc Fabregas.
In seven of the last eight years, the trophy has been given to an Englishman, further showcasing the high level of quality available to England boss Gareth Southgate ahead of Euro 2024.
source: https://www.express.co.uk/
