Golden Boy 2022: Barcelona and Liverpool stars make final 20 nominees | OneFootball

Italian newspaper Tuttosport has announced the final 20 nominees for the 2022 Golden Boy award. Some of the best young players in world football will battle it out for the prestigious award.

Football experts from across Europe will vote to decide Europe’s best young player. All the nominees must play in one of the top tiers of a European league. They must also be under 21.

Last year, Barcelona starlet Pedri won the award. He is also a nominee for this year’s edition because he is still eligible. However, he might not win it after spending much of the year sidelined with a hamstring injury.

His Barcelona teammates Nico Gonzalez, Ansu Fati, and midfield partner Gavi are also on the shortlist for the award. Barcelona have the most players on the list. They have four. However, the Bundesliga is the most represented league.

Gavi is one of the early favourites for the award. The 18-year-old has emerged as a crucial component for Xavi Hernandez and Luis Enrique with the Spanish national team.

His combative style, combined with his technique and security in possession, makes him an invaluable member of his teams.

Barcelona’s archenemies Real Madrid have Eduardo Camavinga on the list. He was one of the club’s best secret weapons as they won La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham is another favourite for the award. He has risen through the Dortmund ranks and captained them this season at only 19.

Bellingham has scored in his last five Champions League appearances, and his physical presence is vital in the middle of the park for Dortmund. He is one of their best and most consistent performers.

His teammate Karim Adeyemi is also on the list. Bayern Munich have Mathys Tel, Ryan Gravenberch, and Jamal Musiala on there.

The German international is another award favourite with mesmerising performances this season. He is arguably his club’s most in-form attacker.

RB Leipzig have Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol on the list, while Wilfried Gnonto and Fabio Carvalho represent the Premier League on the shortlist.

Full 2022 Golden Boy Nominations

Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, Germany)

Fabio Miretti (Juventus, Italy U-21)

Nico Gonzalez (Valencia, Spain)

Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)

Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)

Wilfried Gnoto (Leeds United, Italy)

Ryan Gravenberch (Bayern Munich, Netherlands)

Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig, Croatia)

Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund, Germany)

Fabio Carvalho (Liverpool, Portugal U-21)

Ansu Fati (Barcelona, Spain)

Gavi (Barcelona, Spain)

Joao Antonio Silva (Benfica, Portugal)

Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund, England)

Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid, France)