Bukayo Saka Named England Player Of The Year For 2021-22

Bukayo Saka has been named as England’s Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season.

The winger was presented with his award at St George’s Park ahead of the September Uefa Nations League fixtures against Italy and Germany by a group of grassroots footballers, inheriting the honour from last year’s recipient Kalvin Phillips.

Saka was voted by the fans for the award and finished ahead of Declan Rice and Harry Kane, who finished in second and third place respectively.

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The 21-year-old played nine times across the course of the international season and scored three times, including a Man of the Match performance on his birthday in the 4-0 win over Andorra at Wembley on September 5, 2021.

So far, Saka has collected 18 England caps and has become the first Arsenal men’s player to land the England Player of the Year honour since its inception in 2003.

This news follows the youngster's achievement of being named Arsenal’s Player of the Season for the second year running in 2021-22. The attacker has also been shortlisted for the prestigious Kopa Trophy, an honour bestowed on the world’s best players under the age of 21, for a second successive year.

He came into this international break having once again been a key component of Arsenal’s front line as they have made their way to the top of the Premier League table. Saka has contributed one goal and four assists so far as the Gunners have won six from seven.

Friday's announcement is just the latest feather in the cap of a player whose penalty miss in the Euro 2020 final against Italy last year had shot his name into the regular public consciousness. He was also a victim of sickening racist abuse after having his decisive spot-kick saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, but widespread support of Saka followed and now he is considered one of his nation's most prized footballing assets.

England take on Italy once more in the Uefa Nations League at San Siro on Friday evening. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.