Bukayo Saka wins PFA Young Player of the Year award after starring for Mikel Arteta in Arsenal’s title charge
- Bukayo Saka has been rewarded for his fine form during the 2022-23 season
- Arsenal pushed Manchester City all the way in their Premier League title win
- Would Mohamed Salah ‘do the dirty’ on Liverpool by leaving? And what about Man United ‘diving’?: Listen to It’s All Kicking Off , Mail Sport’s new podcast
Bukayo Saka has become the first Arsenal player in 12 years to win the men’s PFA Young Player of the Year award, having edged out Erling Haaland to the gong.
Saka has been nominated for the past four seasons and has now finally been crowned as the victor for the first time.
The Arsenal and England star was influential in Arsenal’s title bid, and was key in securing their return to Champions League.
He has beat off competition from team-mate Gabriel Martinelli, as well as Erling Haaland, Moises Caicedo, Evan Ferguson, and Jacob Ramsey.
In winning the award Saka is the first Arsenal player to win it since Leah Williamson in 2015, and since Jack Wilshere in 2011 for the men’s award.
Bukayo Saka has been crowned the PFA’s Young Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season
Saka beat off competition from star names such as Erling Haaland (left) and Moises Caicedo
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Saka scored a career–high 14 goals in the Premier League, along with delivering 11 assists in his starring role.
The young winger’s stock rose even further with three goals in England’s World Cup campaign in Qatar.
Saka was the jewel of Arsenal’s crown last season – but team-mate Martinelli wasn’t far behind and made a strong case for consideration.
The Brazilian scored 15 goals and added five assists in a fine campaign. Had Martinelli won, he would have been the first Brazilian recipient of the PFA Young Player of the Year.
Caicedo, now at Chelsea following a £115million British record transfer, was an unsung hero at Brighton last season, while former team-mate Evan Ferguson enjoyed a breakout campaign.
Ferguson became the youngest Seagulls player to score in the Premier League at the age of 18 in a 4-2 defeat to Arsenal. The Republic of Ireland forward added a further five league goals thereafter.
Jacob Ramsey was a deserving nominee having thrived for Aston Villa upon their return to Europe.
Ramsey has now been nominated for the second successive year, with the England Under-21 international scoring six goals in 34 games.
Saka scored a career-high 14 goals in the Premier League last season, along with 11 assists
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