Rethinking the Young Player Debate
The current structure of the PFA Young Player of the Year award no longer fits the modern game. With stars like Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden already playing hundreds of matches by age 21, it’s time to look deeper.
This list focuses on true Premier League rookies — players who were 19 or younger at the start of the 2024-25 season and are playing their first full campaign. Whether from club academies or overseas, they represent the next wave of elite talent.
Notable Exclusions
A few names miss out due to technicalities:
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Kobbie Mainoo, Lewis Hall, Rico Lewis, Jack Hinshelwood, and Facundo Buonanotte all played in prior Premier League seasons.
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Mateus Fernandes and Yankuba Minteh turned 20 before the season began, despite strong showings.
Top 10 Premier League Rookies of the Year
10. Oliver Scarles – LB, West Ham United
Seizing minutes from Emerson and Cresswell, Scarles made a name for himself with defensive masterclasses, especially in a 1-0 win over Arsenal. Seven interceptions and four tackles that day earned him growing respect.
9. Patrick Dorgu – LB, Manchester United
Thrown into the mix after a £25m move from Lecce, Dorgu has brought energy and grit to a struggling United side. His Europa League displays hint at a high ceiling.
8. Leny Yoro – CB, Manchester United
Despite a preseason injury, the €62m signing has logged nearly 2,000 minutes and impressed with his composure, aerial strength, and passing range. A defensive pillar for United’s long-term rebuild.
7. Nico O’Reilly – CM/LB, Manchester City
A surprise contributor from City’s academy, O’Reilly stepped up in key moments while playing out of position. His width and directness helped City’s late-season push and FA Cup run.
6. Archie Gray – CB/RB/CM, Tottenham Hotspur
Versatile and resilient, Gray handled pressure in three different roles during a chaotic Spurs campaign. The £40m teenager showed promise and maturity despite his team’s struggles.
5. Tyler Dibling – FW, Southampton
Southampton’s brightest light in a relegation season. Dibling’s fearless dribbling and ball-carrying made him a standout, drawing attention from bigger clubs.
4. Ethan Nwaneri – CM/FW, Arsenal
The once-youngest player in Premier League history lived up to his billing with 9 goals and 2 assists. His left-footed strikes and positional versatility have been vital for Arsenal.
3. Lucas Bergvall – CM, Tottenham Hotspur
After joining for £8.5m from Djurgården, Bergvall became a consistent starter. His ball control and decision-making have stood out in a turbulent Spurs midfield.
2. Myles Lewis-Skelly – LB, Arsenal
Converted from midfield to full-back, Lewis-Skelly surpassed Zinchenko and Calafiori to make the role his own. Over 2,000 minutes played, Champions League starts, and an England debut highlight his breakout.
1. Dean Huijsen – CB, Bournemouth
The rookie of the year. Bournemouth’s £15m signing from Juventus has been immense: two-footed, elegant, and one of the top young ball progressors in Europe. A future Real Madrid target — and a star in the making.
Final Thought: Honouring True Rookies
As football evolves, so should its recognition of youth. These players aren’t just promising — they’ve already arrived. Celebrating true first-year stars paints a clearer picture of the next generation.
