Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo are nominated for Premier League’s Young Player of the Season – with two Arsenal and two Man City stars on the shortlist

Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo headline a hotly contested group of nominees for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year award. 

The contenders for the prestigious gong were announced on Thursday, with the Chelsea and Manchester United youngsters included after their stellar campaigns. 

Palmer is the second-highest scorer in the division with 21 goals, while Mainoo has forced his way into the England squad after starring for the Red Devils. 

Elsewhere, Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Phil Foden have also been named among the nominees. The pair have won the last three awards, with Foden taking home the prize in 2021 and 2022 before Haaland was recognised for his stunning debut campaign last term. 

Premier League title rivals Arsenal have also had two of their stars shortlisted. Bukayo Saka, who is the side’s top scorer this season, and William Saliba, who forms one half of the league’s best defence. 

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie complete the impressive eight-man roster. 

Isak scored his 20th goal of the Premier League season in only his 27th game in last weekend’s 4-1 win over Burnley. Meanwhile, Udogie has enjoyed a brilliant debut campaign for Spurs and has proved to be crucial to Ange Postecoglou’s swashbuckling attacking approach. 

Players aged 23 and younger at the start of the season are eligible for the Young Player of the Season award. Fans have the chance to help select the winner by casting their vote on the league’s website. 

Voting closes at Midday on May 13. The votes from the public will be combined with those of a panel of football experts to decide the winner, who will be revealed on Saturday 18 May.