Bukayo Saka and his Gunners teammates made waves in the 2022/23 PFA recognitions, providing proof that the North London club’s youth development is among the best in England.

  • Bukayo Saka wins PFA Young Player of the Year.
  • Four Arsenal players make it to the PFA Team of the Year.
  • Saka signs a long-term deal, affirming his commitment to Arsenal.

The PFA Young Player of the Year

bukayo saka new arsenal kit
Bukayo Saka in Arsenal’s new kit for the 23/24 season via Arsneal.com

After three previous nominations, Bukayo Saka finally claimed the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

The 21-year-old winger has been an exemplar of consistency, participating in all 38 Premier League fixtures for Arsenal and scoring 15 times across all competitions.

His displays on the national stage were also exceptional, contributing three goals during England’s quarter-final run in the 2022 World Cup.

Gunners in the Team of the Year

william saliba new arsenal kit
William Saliba in Arsenal’s new kit for the 23/24 season via Arsenal.com

Besides Saka’s individual brilliance, Aaron Ramsdale, William Saliba, and Martin Odegaard also found their names in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

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It’s the first time since the 2007/08 season that Arsenal received four or more selections.

Saliba’s solid campaign was unfortunately cut short due to injury, but he had already done enough to earn his peers’ respect.

Leaders of the Next Generation

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Leandro Trossard after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Leandro Trossard after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Odegaard, named as Arsenal’s captain last summer, scored a career-best 15 league goals.

The Norwegian international was closely followed by Saka, who also registered 11 assists.

Gabriel Martinelli, Saka’s fellow Gunner and one of the other young stars at the club, narrowly missed out on the Young Player of the Year, but his 15-goal tally was equally praiseworthy.

Rival Players in the Mix

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates scoring the teams first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Burnley at Etihad Stadium on March 18, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 18: Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates scoring the teams first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Burnley at Etihad Stadium on March 18, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Manchester City dominated the remaining slots in the PFA Team of the Year, featuring five of their star players including Erling Haaland.

Newcastle United‘s Kieran Trippier and Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur completed the XI.

Saka’s Milestone in Hale End Legacy

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal looks on during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and VfL Wolfsburg at the Emirates Stadium on July 26, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 26: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal looks on during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and VfL Wolfsburg at the Emirates Stadium on July 26, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Saka follows in the footsteps of iconic names like Tony Adams and Jack Wilshere as the sixth Arsenal player to claim the Young Player of the Year title.

The Hale End Academy product’s long-term commitment to Arsenal was confirmed with a new contract, underlining his desire to continue the legacy.

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