Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale have been included on the eight-man shortlist for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award.
The Gunners duo face stiff competition for the gong with two former winners, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold, amongst the favourites and Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher and Tyrick Mitchell also nominated.
Amazingly, all eight nominees, who were 23 or younger at the start of the campaign, are already England internationals.
Responsibility for picking the winner is split between a panel (made up of former players, managers and referees, broadcasters, fans, officials and sponsors) and a public vote.
You can vote for Bukayo and Aaron here
Like Alexander-Arnold, Saka also been nominated for the even more prestigious Player of the Season award.
For Ramsdale, the only keeper on the list, being shortlisted caps a pretty remarkable 10 months. Few understood Arsenal’s interest in the player when speculation surfaced that he was a priority target last summer but he was quick to win over the fans with his acrobatics between the sticks, passing range and big personality.
Now a fully-fledged England international, he’ll be hoping to add to his 12 clean sheets in the final two games of the season.
Congratulations to both Aaron and Bukayo, a timely confidence boost after that thing that happened last night.
Both class players, will be amazed if Bukayo doesn’t win overall.
Something tells me they will give it to Foden. If Saka is on main list and Foden isn’t them surely he wins young player. Be great if he does. He deserves it.
Thought that the same also, Foden’s had a cracking season and probably winning the league, I’ve no doubts Saka will win it at some point but not this time out. Funny I don’t see Rice as a young player but that shows the quality he has. Love to see him at Arsenal 🙏
Every time I see Rice, I picture him next to Partey (and eventually replacing Partey) and I think we could win the league. (Okay, maybe we might also need a striker.) Seriously, Rice is very much like Xhaka, only better.
I want Saka to break the tie by making us win at Newcastle and Everton.
Ramsdale is over rated imo and has been poor over the last 6 matches.His temperament is suspect and his lack of calmness spreads through our defence leading to errors and the occasional red card.
Last few games his distribution has been below standard, but overall he has been outstanding. He probably saved us 10-12 points this season with some world class saves. Did you watch the save from Madison? Watch some games.
OK Grandad
Ok Boomer
Listen up. Not everyone born in the 1960’s is a twat.
Most of us have carved out successful lives, despite being brought up in the economic shit pit that was the 70’s and the crass Thatcherism of the 80’s.
Lockdown was a fucking doddle in comparison.
The only part I’d lean towards agreeing with is his form post injury doesn’t appear to have been quite where it was pre injury. Everything else you said is bolax
Senile
I think he had an outstanding first half of the season for us but tapered off second half and recently has looked less confident between the sticks. But he’s young and will learn.
He’s been nominated for his performance across the season where he’s been a revelation
It’ll be tough to win but happy for them both. Ramsdale had a great 6 months but hasn’t been at his best for the last few months. I’d like to see him get his head down and do a bit less talking at the moment, but I also realise that’s his personality
I think Ramsdale has been quite good lately. Had a dip in form when returning from injury, but nothing more. And that happens to just about everyone.
Possibly. I’m also judging him from the teams poor defensive performances of late I suppose. Also the facts remain we’ve conceded from about 50% of the shots on target of late, which whilst isn’t all his fault doesn’t look great.
He’s definitely weaker at his near post. Not quite as weak as Petr Cech though
Having both Ramsdale and Saka in the vote, splits the vote from Arsenal fans.
Saka twice using my laptop and my tablet and Ramsdale once using my mobile phone. Does it work that way though?
I’m surprised that the media’s darlings – Windowlicker & Son – haven’t been nominated.