Kylian Mbappe and Christian Pulisic are the headline names on a 100-player list for the 2018 Golden Boy, published by the award’s founders Tuttosport.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe is the clear front-runner to become the first player to retain the award — given to the best player under the age of 21 in Europe — he won in 2017, having scored three goals on France’s run to the World Cup quarterfinals and produced a spectacular performance to eliminate Lionel Messi’s Argentina in a seven-goal thriller in Kazan on Saturday.
United States international Pulisic was denied the opportunity to compete at the World Cup but enjoyed a strong season with Borussia Dortmund, establishing himself as a regular starter in the Bundesliga and registering four goals and five assists in 32 appearances.
AC Milan striker Patrick Cutrone, who scored 10 goals in 28 Serie A appearances last season, and Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who earned a place in England’s World Cup squad after competing in the Champions League final, were also included in the list.
Kylian Mbappe announced himself on the World Cup stage with two goals vs. Argentina. Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
The award will be selected by an international panel of journalists, and there is no indication that they must choose from the 100 players listed by Tuttosport for its fan poll.
There is a heavy English presence on the 100-person list, with Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi, Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, Manchester United’s on-loan defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Tottenham midfielder Marcus Edwards, Everton midfielder Tom Davies, Arsenal academy graduates Stephy Mavididi, Reiss Nelson and Jeff Reine-Adelaide as well as Ben Woodburn and Herbie Kane of Liverpool all included.
The most surprising omission is Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount, who failed to make the long list despite registering 14 goals and nine assists on loan at Vitesse last season.
Fulham sensation Ryan Sessegnon was ineligible, as youngsters have to be contracted to a club in the top tier of a European league to be considered.
From the Premier League, City academy trio Brahim Diaz, Manu Garcia and Lukas Nmecha are also included, while United’s summer signing DiogoDalot makes the cut along with new teammate Angel Gomes. Tottenham defender Juan Foyth is also on the list.
Source: Punch
