2021/22 PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year nominees announced
The nominees for the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award have been announced, with current holder Lauren Hemp among the six contenders.
Among the other names alongside the Manchester City star are Chelsea forward Lauren James, Arsenal all-rounder Frida Maanum, Tottenham’s Jessica Naz, Ella Toone of Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion defender Maya Le Tissier.
Hemp enjoyed another nomination following a blistering campaign at the Academy Stadium in which Gareth Taylor’s side sealed the 2021/22 Women’s League Cup, beating Emma Hayes’ Chelsea 3-1 at Plough Lane back in March.
The 21-year-old has won the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year accolade on three separate occasions during her still fledging career, including the last two for City, as well as the 2017/18 version when she was turning out for Bristol City.
Lauren James has also earned recognition following Chelsea’s sensational campaign in which Hayes’ side secured a FA Women’s Super League and Women’s FA Cup double, while the Blues also reached the FA Women’s League Cup final — though some may question her inclusion after playing just 107 minutes of football.
Frida Maanum has enjoyed a sensational maiden campaign for Arsenal following her move from Linkopings FC last summer. The Norway international was vital at Meadow Park as Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners missed out on the Women’s Super League title by one point.
Jessica Naz is also in the mix after her season in north London with Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites finished a respectable fifth in the Women’s Super League and had a fine run to the Women’s League Cup semi-finals, where they lost out to Man City.
Ella Toone was a sensation for Man Utd in 2021/22, finishing as the top assist provider in the Women’s Super League (eight), while also ranking in the top 10 for most goals as she struck seven times, while Maya Le Tissier also has her name among the leading contenders as Brighton finished seventh in the WSL.
.@MayaLeTissier has been nominated for Women’s @PFA Young Player of the Year! 🙌 #BHAFC
— Brighton & Hove Albion Women (@BHAFCWomen) June 1, 2022
