Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has pipped Mason Mount and Declan Rice to win an individual award.
The 19-year-old winger has been arguably Arsenal’s best and most reliable player during an otherwise poor season for the Gunners, all things considered.
Despite his age, Saka has shown up some of the more senior members of Mikel Arteta’s squad – like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – by showing the sort of consistency that much older players should be showing.
As a result, Saka, who began his career with Arsenal, has had his form acknowledged by winning London Young Player of the Year.
He edged out the Chelsea and West Ham stars, along with his team-mate Emile Smith Rowe.
Here’s how some fans of the Emirates Stadium side reacted to the announcement on Twitter:
Chelsea and West Ham fans will feel aggrieved – as they naturally would – but Saka is a deserving winner.
The Arsenal gem, who’s three years younger than Mount and Rice, has seven goals and assist from 40 games in all competitions, while the Blues attacker has eight goals and seven assists from 48 matches.
Difference is, Chelsea have never had to rely on the 22-year-old this season, such is their quality.
Arsenal boss Arteta has needed Saka to stay fit because is really that important for the Spaniard.
Despite being younger, Saka shoulders quite a bit more responsibility than his England team-mate and still manages to perform despite the pressure, which makes him a very deserving recipient of the award.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
