The PFA Young Player of the Year award, while once a fair celebration of emerging talent, no longer accurately reflects the spirit of breakthrough success. Its eligibility threshold—21 years old at the start of the season—has allowed seasoned stars like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer to dominate the honor. The Premier League’s own version pushes the limit further, permitting players up to 23, leading to Erling Haaland lifting the award in 2022-23 at age 22.
And while that’s still an improvement on 2010’s winner—24-year-old James Milner—it fails to spotlight the genuine rookies: teenagers in their first full top-flight campaign, taking their first major steps in professional football.
Borrowing a page from the NBA, we’ve reimagined the award as Premier League Rookie of the Year, recognizing players who started the 2024-25 season as teenagers (under 20 on Aug. 16, 2024) and are in their first full campaign in the Premier League.
Let’s rank the best of this exciting class.
❌ Who Just Missed Out
Some standout young players weren’t eligible:
- Kobbie Mainoo, Rico Lewis, Lewis Hall, Jack Hinshelwood, and Facundo Buonanotte have already played multiple top-flight campaigns.
- Mateus Fernandes (Southampton) and Yankuba Minteh (Brighton) both turned 20 just before the cutoff.
The Top 10 Premier League Rookies of 2024-25
10. Oliver Scarles – LB, West Ham United
At just 18, Scarles filled a major void in West Ham’s back line as Aaron Cresswell winds down and Emerson struggles for consistency. He shone in a defensive masterclass at the Emirates, making four tackles and seven interceptions in a memorable 1-0 win over Arsenal. Closing in on 600 league minutes, he’s a player to watch.
9. Patrick Dorgu – LB, Manchester United
Thrown into a turbulent Manchester United side after a £25m January switch from Lecce, the Danish left-back quickly adapted. Amid poor team performances, his athleticism and poise offered a glimmer of hope, particularly in United’s promising Europa League run.
8. Leny Yoro – CB, Manchester United
A €62m summer arrival from Lille, Yoro’s season began with a broken foot but still saw him rack up nearly 2,000 minutes. His composure, passing range, and defensive anticipation mark him as a long-term anchor in United’s backline under manager Ruben Amorim.
7. Nico O’Reilly – CM/LB, Manchester City
Manchester City’s £150m January splurge made headlines, but it was academy graduate O’Reilly—deployed out of position at left-back—who quietly proved invaluable. His versatility, work rate, and attacking thrust helped City reach the FA Cup final and stay in top-five contention.
6. Archie Gray – CB/RB/CM, Tottenham Hotspur
Already experienced from his Leeds United stint, Gray was tested in all areas of Spurs’ struggling side—central midfield, right-back, and even centre-back. Though he endured difficult moments, the £40m teenager showed courage and adaptability that belied his age.
The Top Five
5. Tyler Dibling – FW, Southampton
Despite Southampton’s relegation woes, Dibling lit up the league with fearless dribbling and dynamism. He led all rookies in metres gained per carry (7.8) and ranked second in long carries (100). Though his end product (2 goals) could improve, he stood out in a weak squad—and is now on Manchester United’s radar.
4. Ethan Nwaneri – CM/FW, Arsenal
At 18, Nwaneri finally broke through after debuting at age 15. Filling in for Bukayo Saka, he tallied 9 goals and 2 assists while showcasing strength, aggression, and a lethal left foot from the right wing. With more minutes in central midfield expected next season, his future looks bright.
3. Lucas Bergvall – CM, Tottenham Hotspur
Following his £8.5m transfer from Djurgården, Bergvall gradually earned his place in Spurs’ XI. His engine, intelligent passing, and composure provided a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season. A key figure in the rebuild under Ange Postecoglou.
2. Myles Lewis-Skelly – LB, Arsenal
Initially a central midfielder, Lewis-Skelly reinvented himself as Arsenal’s go-to left-back, displacing senior options like Zinchenko and Tierney. Logging over 2,000 minutes—including starts against Real Madrid and PSG in the Champions League—the 18-year-old thrived in a demanding hybrid role. He also scored on his England senior debut. Simply exceptional.
1. Dean Huijsen – CB, Bournemouth
The clear winner. Huijsen joined Bournemouth from Juventus for just £15m and has blossomed into one of the league’s most composed ball-playing centre-backs. Ranking in the 93rd percentile for progressive carries and 87th for progressive passes among top-five league defenders, the Spain international has become a £50m-rated asset—earning interest from Real Madrid.
Smartly nurtured by manager Andoni Iraola, Huijsen has made the leap from talent to transformative player. A true Rookie of the Year.
This reimagined award offers a clearer lens through which to view the stars of tomorrow, today. These U19s didn’t just arrive—they adapted, excelled, and in some cases, redefined their clubs’ seasons. In a league dominated by stars, these rookies have carved out their place.
