Man City sensation Erling Haaland makes Premier League history

Manchester City forward becomes first player to win both Premier League player of the season and young player of the season awards in the same campaign

| Updated: 27 May, 2023 10:23 pm IST

Erling Haaland (Photo Courtesy Twitter @ErlingHaaland)

NEW DELHI: In an extraordinary display of talent, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has etched his name in Premier League history by becoming the first player ever to clinch both the Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards in a single campaign.

The Norwegian striker surpassed a distinguished shortlist that included notable names like Sven Botman, Moises Caicedo, Alexander Isak, Alexis Mac Allister, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka.

This unprecedented achievement is yet another testament to Haaland’s exceptional performance since joining the Premier League last summer. His impact on the pitch has been nothing short of sensational, leaving fans and critics in awe of his abilities.

Haaland’s triumph sustains Manchester City’s stronghold in the Young Player of the Season voting, following the back-to-back victories of Phil Foden. The club’s commitment to nurturing and developing young talent has proven fruitful once again.

The Young Player of the Season award was introduced in the 2019/20 season to recognize outstanding players aged 23 or under at the start of the campaign. This particular eligibility criterion has faced scrutiny and critique in previous years, with debates surrounding the age limit.

As Haaland prepares to celebrate his 23rd birthday in July, he will remain eligible for the award in the upcoming season under the existing regulations. Additionally, his teammate Foden remains in contention as he will turn 23 on the final day of the current season.

Among the finalists, it is worth noting that only Mac Allister and Odegaard will no longer meet the age requirement for the Young Player of the Season award, showcasing the exceptional talent present in the Premier League.

Haaland’s double triumph serves as a testament to his exceptional skills and impact on the league. As he continues to make history, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing more extraordinary performances from this talented young star in the seasons to come.