Source: SKY_Sports
PFA Young Player
Manchester United and Aston Villa both boast two nominees apiece for the PFA Young Player prize, while youthful stars from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are also in the running.[LNB] Skysports.com takes a look at the six candidates and dissects just why they have been deemed this season's junior vintage. [LNB]GABRIEL AGBONLAHOR[LNB]The Aston Villa forward still remains very much a raw talent, but his progression this season should not go unnoticed - even with his club's recent capitulation fresh in the memory. Agbonlahor was at the heart of Villa's dramatic start to the campaign that saw them rub shoulders with the so-called big boys. And still, Martin O'Neill's men sit in a hugely promising position, continuing to haunt fourth-placed Arsenal. Agbonlahor's Road Runner pace is his main asset, although this campaign his all-round game has improved. To date, the 22-year-old forward, who can operate out wide as well as leading the line on his own, has 11 Premier League goals to his name and an impressive eight assists. It is true that, like his Villa team-mates, Agbonlahor has struggled since the turn of the year. But being a young player is surely all about demonstrating promise, and two-time England international Agbonlahor has certainly done that to good effect.[LNB]JONNY EVANS[LNB]The Belfast-born defender's rise this campaign has been dramatic. United's ruthless defence during the middle of the season has been well-documented, but few would have believed such a run (goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar not conceding a goal in 1,311 minutes) could have been achieved with a 21-year-old playing a significant role in the heart of the backline. Some may argue that the Red Devils academy graduate had the benefit of slotting in alongside the experience of either Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic, but it was the ease of his emergence that has impressed. Evans has recorded 28 appearances in all competitions, and has all the promise of being a commanding centre-back for many years to come. Also, aided by counterparts Ferdinand and Vidic, he cannot fail but learn from their respective strengths and weaknesses. For these reasons the former Royal Antwerp and Sunderland loanee is an excellent contender to be named PFA Young Player of the Year for 2009.[LNB]STEPHEN IRELAND[LNB]Manchester City midfielder Ireland is the opposite of one-dimensional Eurotrance shrieker Cascada because he has much talent. His past is chequered, but this campaign he has channelled his focus on football - and my, what an effect that has had. Bolstered by Sheikh Mansour's chequebook, City boss Mark Hughes has brought in many recruits, including British record signing Robinho. It is, however, easy to argue that Ireland, who joined City's highly-regarded youth academy in 2005, has proved more valuable than the Brazilian. Ireland's footballing brain exceeds his age of 22. For his club he operates in a Dennis Bergkamp-type role, in behind the frontline, pulling into awkward positions that his opposition detest. From that position, Ireland has scored 12 goals in all competitions. And among those strikes have been many efforts to watch back over and over. For maturing on and off the field, Ireland is an example to most and his quality surely deserves to be rewarded.[LNB]AARON LENNON[LNB]Lennon has previously been a frustrating individual. The 5ft 5in winger has the gift. That gift is speed combined with nimble feet and a low centre of gravity. But he has shone in fits and starts. His promise has regularly simmered on the surface, with the former Leeds United midfielder nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year in both 2006 and 2007. However, he missed out. This season, though, Lennon has moved up a gear, thriving under Spurs manager Harry Redknapp. His form has been so strong that he has caught England head coach Fabio Capello's stringent eye and taken his caps tally to 11 in the process. Lennon, who turns 22 on Thursday, has five Premier League goals and as many assists to his name so far this term. So impressive has the diminutive youngster been this season that he has ensured 24-year-old David Bentley must watch on from the substitutes' bench. Lennon has proved to be one of the most exciting players to watch, take note of his startling display in the Carling Cup final defeat to Manchester United, and he is a deserving nominee.[LNB]RAFAEL DA SILVA[LNB]Had the 18-year-old Brazilian not sustained an ankle in January, we would be looking at a very fierce contender for the prize indeed. Rafael, a long with his twin brother Fabio, arrived at Old Trafford from Fluminense in January 2008. This season, with experienced duo Gary Neville and Wes Brown struggling for fitness, he emerged as surprising choice at right-back by manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scottish coach gambled on the teenager's talent and ability to handle such a demanding role. And Rafael has thrived. With an abundance of energy, his marauding runs down the flank have delighted the Red Devils faithful. And, like Evans, he has ideal mentors to assist his defensive moulding. Also, lest we forget the manner in which he opened his United scoring account. Against Arsenal back in November he pulled down a weak clearance with his chest before volleying home with aplomb. Brilliant technique and, with a return from injury nearing, we anticipate further delights.[LNB]ASHLEY YOUNG[LNB]One would imagine that Young came within a whisker of making the shortlist for the PFA Players' Player of the Year, but similar to team-mate Agbonlahor, Young has been affected by Villa's slump - for it is rare that someone is hailed when defeats are piling up. Hence United making up five of the six nominations for that prize. Young's performances this season have been a clear highlight. Young is blessed with an envied ability to carry the ball at pace, while he turns defenders inside out with his swift manipulation of the ball. Also, his delivery is probably his most dangerous weapon. Young peppers penalty areas with tantalising crosses. Described by his manager Martin O'Neill as "world-class", the 23-year-old has been named Player of the Month twice so far this term. The former Watford attacker was also included in the Premier League Team of the Year for 2008. Young has eight Premier League assists and seven goals to his name. Young is possibly the favourite to be named PFA Young Player of the Year.[LNB]
