Manchester City left-back Nico O’Reilly has been crowned the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season after an impressive breakthrough year.
O’Reilly — who was included in England national football team’s World Cup squad on Friday and is expected to feature prominently at the tournament — has played 34 Premier League matches this season.
Heading into the final fixture, a home clash against Aston Villa F.C. that is set to mark the end of an era for Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva and John Stones at City, O’Reilly has registered five goals and three assists in the league.
Among City players in the Premier League this campaign, only Erling Haaland (27 goals), Phil Foden (seven) and Antoine Semenyo (six) have scored more goals.
“I’m very proud to have won this award,” the 21-year-old said on City’s website. “After my first appearances in senior football last season, I knew this year I could have the opportunity to play more and help the team as much as possible if I worked hard.
“To get so many minutes and earn the trust of the manager and my team-mates has been the greatest achievement in my career so far.
“I am so grateful to my family and everyone at City because this wouldn’t have been possible without them.
“I’m excited to finish the season strong tomorrow and then head to my first World Cup before joining back up with City and working hard again next season.”
The shortlist for the award also featured City colleague Rayan Cherki, AFC Bournemouth pair Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott, Brentford F.C. defender Michael Kayode, Manchester United F.C. midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, Newcastle United F.C. youngster Lewis Hall and West Ham United F.C. talent Mateus Fernandes.
O’Reilly also played a major role in City securing both domestic cup trophies during Guardiola’s final season in charge, netting twice in their 2-0 victory over Arsenal F.C. in the EFL Cup Final in March.
City have now produced three winners of the Young Player of the Season award since its launch in 2019. Foden claimed the honour in 2020-21 and 2021-22, before Haaland won it in 2022-23.
