Source: Daily_Mail
Jack Wilshere, Joe Hart, Andy Carroll... Who should win Young Player of the Year?
With another Barclays Premier League season drawing to a thrilling conclusion, Sportsmail highlights five young players who have lit up the league this term.[LNB]Open to players 23 or under at the start of the campaign, the gong will this year be won by a youngster of impeccable talent. [LNB]The list of possible winners is one of the strongest ever. Hugely impressive players such as Chris Smalling, Marc Albrighton and Danny Welbeck fail to make our list, and as Gareth Bale is a front-runner for the big award we have omitted him here. In alphabetical order, these are our choices: [LNB]ANDY CARROLL [LNB]Fairly anonymous outside Tyneside last summer, nobody would have predicted the 22-year-old's astonishing ?35m transfer this January. While the price may be debated as inflated, his bulldozing appearances for Newcastle undoubtedly made him hot property. He has a towering presence on the pitch that can't be coached and his ability to score with either foot or his head is a near unplayable combination. [LNB] Leaping for joy: Former Toon hero Carroll scored a hat-trick on only his second Premier League outing [LNB]Best moment: His hat-trick against Aston Villa in the Magpies' second match had a wow factor that told fans he was the real deal. [LNB] JOE HART[LNB]The 23-year-old has repeated his fine form from last year with Birmingham and has been the rock on which City's resolute defence is based. An ever-present in the league, England's No 1 has kept 13 clean sheets. A naturally excellent shot-stopper, his decision-making has improved this term and he appears unfazed by any occasion. [LNB] Hart-stopper: The Man City keeper excelled in the 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane [LNB]Best moment: He was immense in City's opening game away to Spurs. Making 11 saves, many spectacular, he alone won his team a point in the 0-0 draw. [LNB]JORDAN HENDERSON [LNB] At just 20 years-old he is one of Sunderland's most important players. Confident on the ball and assured in the pass, he has played in all 30 league games for the Black Cats this season, putting in consistently good performances. An England cap has come already and a big-money move away from Wearside is touted.[LNB] Ever-present: Henderson has featured in all of Sunderland's Premier League games this term [LNB] Best moment: A terrific winner and a man-of-the-match display in Sunderland's 1-0 win over West Ham at the Stadium of Light. [LNB] JAVIER HERNANDEZ[LNB]The Mexican has taken to English football with amazing speed. Little Pea has scored 10 goals in just 10 starts, at an average of a goal every 101.3 minutes. Many have been dazzling - remember his back-header against Stoke that seemed to defy physics? He plays with unquenchable exuberance and the joy etched on his face with every goal is a delight in itself. [LNB] Year to remember: Hernandez has kept star striker Berbatov out of the side[LNB]Best moment: Coming on to change the game against Blackpool when United were 2-0 down - he fizzed with energy, scoring a goal that showed a superb touch and laser finish. [LNB]JACK WILSHERE[LNB]The most exciting young English talent since Gazza, the 19-year-old plays with the composure of a veteran. He has quick feet, a smart brain and a stonking passing range, as well as a bristling edge that defies the thought he can be out-muscled.Injuries at Arsenal have accelerated his importance and it is a chance he has grabbed with both hands. He could become an all-time great. [LNB] Head boy: Wilshere has been a revelation for Arsenal this season [LNB]Best moment: Was imperious as Arsenal won 4-2 at Aston Villa, capping the display with a quality goal. [LNB] Adam, Bale, Vidic and co: Guide to the stars up for player of the year awardCahill urges Wilshere and Carroll to play for Under 21s at Euro finalsCapello warns Carroll over boozing as England prepare to unleash ?35m man [LNB] Explore more:People: Joe Hart, Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere, Gareth Bale Places: Newcastle, Birmingham, United Kingdom
