Two Manchester City players have today been included among the nominees for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award – but there was no place for Jeremy Doku.
It has been another impressive season from City, with a number of players having outstanding seasons at the Etihad Stadium.
Fans have been pretty excited at times to watch Jeremy Doku in action, with he winger signing for the club last summer from Rennes in a £55 million deal.
The Belgian livewire seriously impressed in the first half of the season with his direct style and unpredictable nature. He has become a bit less prominent in recent weeks due to the returns of key players, but he’s still had a really solid first season in England.
But he didn’t quite do enough to warrant a place on the list of nominees for Young Player of the Season – but two of his teammates did…
Phil Foden and Erling Haaland named among nominees for Young Player of the Season as Jeremy Doku misses out
Phil Foden and Erling Haaland are both on the shortlist for the Young Player of the Season award, with the duo currently City’s most influential attacking players.
Haaland has scored 25 Premier League goals and made six assists. Foden has bagged 16 in the league and provided eight assists.
They are the top goal contributors for City and have both had fantastic seasons, especially Foden.
Foden has just won the FWA Player of the Season award, so it is no surprise to see him on this list, too. Haaland’s haul of 25 Premier League goals was always likely to help his cause to be included.
Some have complained about the pair being on the list as they both turn 24 this summer. But that is obviously out of their hands and the inclusion rules are something for the Premier League to consider.
It is a slight shame for Doku not to be included, although some will suggest that he just hasn’t been quite consistent enough. The 21-year-old has scored three goals and made seven assists for City in the league.
Certainly though, Doku – who Shaun Wright-Phillips branded ‘fantastic’ last month after his performance against Chelsea – is one of the brightest young talents in the division and will only improve going forward.
Cole Palmer could win
Foden is perhaps the favourite to win this award, but he could well face strong competition from his former City teammate Cole Palmer, who has been sensational for Chelsea.
After leaving the Etihad in a £42.5 million deal, Palmer has seemingly been on a mission to show that City made a mistake selling him. He’s scored 21 goals in the Premier League and provided nine assists.
It is a remarkable haul of contributions, and he may well pip Foden, with many seeing him as a winner of the main Player of the Season award. Incidentally, Foden, Haaland and Palmer have all just been nominated for the main award, as well.
It would be hugely satisfying for Palmer if he won the Young Player award though, and give his exit from City even more vindication.