Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has made the 20-player shortlist for the Golden Boy award. The accolade is given to the best player in Europe under the age of 21.
The vote is conducted by Italian newspaper Tuttosport with the winner being decided by journalists from across Europe. Earlier this year, a 100 man shortlist was announced that included other Gunners including the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Trae Coyle and William Saliba, but Saka was the only one to make the final 20.
It is a huge compliment considering the other names still in the race for the prize. Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies and Manchester City’s Phil Foden are also in the mix. Supporters on Twitter have been congratulating Saka:
The boy can play
— Mo (@amtillpm) October 15, 2020
He's played exceptionally while playing out of position all season. Can't even imagine how good he'll get when focusing solely on attacking and scoring goals! Great future ahead ?
— Loyalwardrobe (@loyalwardrobe) October 15, 2020
Name another player that's on the list that is as versatile as Saka. pic.twitter.com/MFw04S2mFG
— Stephen (@Stefan0vich) October 15, 2020
he won’t get it, brilliant his been named tho but all i see is alphonso davis winning it
— Drumnd. ??? (@jackodrumnd) October 15, 2020
Star boy ??❤️
— Callum Harman (@Callummmmh) October 15, 2020
Sakalinho ??
— Sakalinho??? (@AFCSakalinho) October 15, 2020
Starboy
— Oluwa ? (@lola_damee) October 15, 2020
Only one Arsenal player has ever won the Golden Boy award, and that was Cesc Fabregas all the way back in 2006. While Saka is certainly an underdog, his inclusion demonstrates just how far he has come over the last year.