Italian outlet Tuttosport have released their 100-man longlist for the Golden Boy award, which is currently held by Jude Bellingham after a brilliant season, only to be eclipsed by this one. The award will be voted on by journalists from 30 countries and handed out to the player voted the best under-21 on the continent.
Barcelona have dominated the award in recent years, with Pedri and Gavi winning it the two previous years, and the latter is back on the longlist this season, despite missing much of it through injury. He is joined by teammates Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal and Vitor Roque. The 16-year-old winger is the hot favourite for the award.
🇧🇪 Arthur Vermeeren vs Montenegro tonight:
90 min played
Passes: 64/72 (89%)
Key passes: 2
Long balls (acc.): 6 (4)
Shots: 1
Tackles: 2
Interception: 1 pic.twitter.com/J1ThzEO0U4— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) June 5, 2024
Rivals Real Madrid have Arda Guler on the longlist, while Atletico Madrid will place their hopes in Arthur Vermeeren and Samu Omorodion, who spent this season on loan at Alaves. Former Barcelona academy talent Ilias Akhomach was noticed in an excellent debut sesason with Villarreal, as is Real Betis academy talent Assane Diao.
🚨 Barça are looking for a pivot with a defensive and very energetic profile. Amadou Onana is liked by Deco, as is Bruno Guimarães, but they'll both be expensive. Mikel Merino is perhaps a more realistic target. @ffpolo
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) June 6, 2024
Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera also stood out for Los Che this year, and the 11 La Liga candidates are rounded out by Savio of Girona, who perhaps should be considered Lamine Yamal’s strongest challengers in Spain.
Yamal deserved the award than any other person in the list