While Premier League superstars such as Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Salah are dominating so many of the headlines this season – there are an abundance of wildly talented up-and-coming league prospects who are making their mark.
As a result, they’re in the running for the PFA Young Footballer of the Year award – an honour steeped in history that has been won by all-time greats of the past like Steven Gerrard, David Beckham and Andy Cole to name a few.
With that in mind, read on as we take a look at the current three favourites in the Premier League odds to come away with the esteemed gong.
Erling Haaland
Not only is this Manchester City striker the frontrunner for the Young Footballer of the Year award – the Norwegian also leads the betting lines to secure the Premier League Golden Boot and PFA Player of the Year awards.
It’s easy to see why given his form, with the 23-year-old phenom netting 18 goals in just 13 appearances so far this season. There was certainly plenty of hype surrounding Haaland when he joined City from Borussia Dortmund in the off-season – and if there were any doubts about his ability to acclimate to the faster and more physical Premier League competition, he has more than put them to bed.
His anticipation and aptitude at finishing half chances in the box are unlike most footballers we have seen in history – and if he can continue his rich vein of form once the league resumes on Boxing Day, he’ll run away with the Young Footballer of the Year award.
Gabriel Martinelli
Another player who has shone this season is Gabriel Martinelli, whose five goals and two assists have been crucial in helping Arsenal sit atop the league table after 17 weeks of football. Just 21 years of age, the Brazilian forward’s superb ball control and ability to create separation from would-be defenders are skills you would expect from someone many years his senior.
The acquisition of fellow Brazilian teammate Gabriel Jesus has also been a key factor in his uptick in form this season, with the enormous attention Jesus draws allowing more space and time for Martinelli to launch attacking runs – both on and off the ball.
William Saliba
21-year-old William Saliba has been one of the best defenders through the first few months of the Premier League season. The Frenchman’s composure and solid distribution at the back has oftentimes been the catalyst for the Gunners’ goals this season – and it’s why he was called up to the French national side for this year’s FIFA World Cup.
And that has appeared to have improved his odds in the Young Player of the Year betting lines, with Saliba’s price to win the award cut from 12/1 to 8/1 after he made his debut in Qatar – which is good for third favourite.
Although the award is voted for by Premier League players, performances at the international level still stay front of mind for voters.
