Chelsea’s Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones, along with four other players, have been nominated for the PFA’s women’s young player of the year award. This prestigious honor recognizes the outstanding contributions of young talents in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Among the nominees is Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating, who won last season’s WSL Golden Glove award for her exceptional performances between the posts.
Lauren James, a forward for Chelsea, had an impressive season, finishing as the second-highest scorer in the WSL. Her goals played a crucial role in Chelsea’s success as they clinched their seventh league title. James, 22, was also the second-highest scorer in the entire league, just behind Man City’s Khadija Shaw. Her impressive performances earned her a nomination for the PFA’s young player award for the second year in a row.
Aggie Beever-Jones, another Chelsea player, has also been shortlisted for the award. The 21-year-old striker had a breakout season, impressing everyone with her goal-scoring abilities. Beever-Jones found the back of the net 11 times in 17 WSL appearances, showcasing her potential and earning her a place among the top young talents in the league.
Jess Park, a forward for Manchester City, is one of the remaining three players in contention for the PFA’s award. Park played a crucial role in City’s attack, especially after her teammate Jill Roord suffered a knee ligament injury. Her four goals and five assists in 18 games helped City secure a Champions League spot, bouncing back from a disappointing fourth-place finish in the previous season.
Grace Clinton and Maya Le Tissier, both from Manchester United, complete the list of nominees. Clinton had an exceptional loan spell at Tottenham, helping the team reach their first-ever Women’s FA Cup final. Her performances in midfield, which included four goals and four assists in 20 WSL games, earned her a call-up to the senior England squad. Le Tissier, on the other hand, was a key figure in Manchester United’s defense, starting in all 22 league games. Her contributions played a vital role in the team’s historic Women’s FA Cup victory.
The winner of the PFA’s women’s young player of the year award will be announced next week at a ceremony in Manchester. The nominees have all displayed immense talent and potential, and their contributions have been crucial to their respective teams’ success. As these young stars continue to shine, there is no doubt that they will play a significant role in shaping the future of women’s football in the WSL and beyond.