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While the Premier League is widely regarded as the finest league on the planet, its cutthroat nature doesn't exactly create the ideal breeding ground for developing young talent.
There are plenty of examples of prodigies breaking onto the scene in England's top division, whether homegrown or brought in from abroad, but emerging players haven't quite dominated the conversation during the 2025–26 season.
Nevertheless, several standout youngsters have still turned heads at clubs throughout the division, producing a competitive shortlist of eight rising stars vying for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award—a prize awarded to the best-performing player aged 21 or under at the start of the campaign.
Here's Sports Illustrated's ranking of the nominees based on merit, consistency and contribution.
8. Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
Appearances: 26
Goals: 1
Assists: 2
There's little question that Kobbie Mainoo has had a significant impact at Manchester United since returning from his spell on the sidelines under Michael Carrick. His performances alongside Casemiro have been key to his team's climb up the table, serving as a stark reflection of Ruben Amorim's struggles in the dugout.
That said, the Young Player of the Season award simply cannot go to someone who has made just 14 starts throughout the campaign. Mainoo has certainly impressed when called upon, but it's only since the new year that he's been given consistent playing time.
Mainoo arguably shouldn't be part of this conversation at all this season.
7. Lewis Hall (Newcastle United)
Appearances: 28
Goals: 1
Clean Sheets: 3
Lewis Hall is another nominee whose minutes on the pitch have been restricted this season. The 21-year-old has been sidelined for eight matches through injury, starting just 22 of Newcastle United's 36 games so far. He's been a bright spot in an otherwise difficult campaign, without ever truly setting the world alight.
Hall has the attributes to become an impressive, dynamic left back, but he has struggled to deliver the consistency or end product needed to be a genuine contender for the award. Only three clean sheets and two goal contributions is far from a compelling case.
6. Mateus Fernandes (West Ham United)
Appearances: 34
Goals: 3
Assists: 3
Mateus Fernandes has been something of a casualty of West Ham United's underwhelming season, which could still end in relegation. Regardless of which division the Hammers find themselves in next term, it's becoming increasingly clear that Fernandes won't be pulling on the claret and blue shirt again after a standout campaign amid the chaos.
The elegant 21-year-old has contributed six goal involvements in the league and has consistently dazzled with his blend of grit and creativity. Europe's top clubs are already circling for the gifted Portuguese midfielder, whose impressive displays look set to earn him another lucrative transfer.
5. Michael Kayode (Brentford)
Appearances: 35
Goals: 1
Clean Sheets: 8
Michael Kayode is far more than just a long throw specialist. The right back's thunderous deliveries into the box have drawn plenty of attention and become a genuine weapon for Brentford, but he also warrants enormous credit for his work at the back.
Kayode has been a cornerstone of a superb season for the Bees, contributing eight clean sheets as his side push for a potential European spot. The Italian's physicality makes him a tough proposition for opposing wingers.
The youngster is another player attracting interest from major European clubs, thanks to both his current ability and, crucially, his long-term potential.
4. Alex Scott (Bournemouth)
Appearances: 36
Goals: 3
Assists: 1
There have been well-founded calls for Alex Scott to be included in England's World Cup squad this summer following an outstanding season. A tally of three goals and one assist barely scratches the surface of what the midfielder has contributed, with his tireless displays proving central to Bournemouth's remarkable run under Andoni Iraola.
Scott possesses a powerful engine, blending relentless intensity with technical quality, enabling him to switch seamlessly between high-pressing and playmaking. The 22-year-old has truly come into his own this term, bouncing back strongly after a string of serious injuries in recent years.
3. Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth)
Appearances: 31
Goals: 12
Assists: 0
It's no surprise that Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester City have all been linked with Junior Kroupi. The young forward's sensational breakthrough season at Bournemouth has produced 12 goals, many of which have showcased his lethal finishing and flair for the dramatic.
Capable of playing as a No.9 or as an attacking midfielder behind Evanilson, Kroupi's goal-to-minutes ratio ranks second in the Premier League, trailing only Erling Haaland. At just 19, the Frenchman has the tools to develop into a world-class talent, and he's already well on his way.
2. Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City)
Appearances: 33
Goals: 5
Clean Sheets: 9
Nico O'Reilly would be a thoroughly deserving winner of the Young Player of the Season award. After offering regular glimpses of his quality last season, the midfielder-turned-defender has evolved into a genuine star, excelling primarily as a marauding, playmaking left back for Man City.
His consistency, dynamism and big-game goals have been invaluable to Pep Guardiola, most memorably his brace in the Carabao Cup final. The Premier League has proven equally rewarding for the England international, who has cemented his place in City's starting lineup through his versatility and composure.
1. Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
Appearances: 31
Goals: 4
Assists: 12
It's genuinely a close call between O'Reilly and Rayan Cherki for the top spot, though few would dispute Kroupi's case for the award either. Man City's attacking midfielder just edges it for us, however, with a stunning debut season in England backed up by his remarkable numbers.
Twelve assists in the Premier League speak volumes about his exceptional creativity and confidence in possession, the ball seemingly magnetised to his feet as he glides past opponents. Factor in four goals and 19 big chances created—the latter the second-highest tally in the division—and it's plain to see why Cherki's season demands recognition.
In an era defined by rigid systems and detailed tactical instructions, it's a breath of fresh air to watch an attacking player perform with such personality and freedom. Cherki is truly a delight to watch when he's in full flow.