By Victor Kanayo
Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka has been named England’s Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season.
The 21-year-old won the award ahead of second-placed Declan Rice of West Ham, following a public vote.
Tottenham striker Harry Kane came third.
Saka was praised for the manner in which he bounced back from the heartbreak of missing the decisive penalty in the shootout of the Euro2020 final.
According to Daily Mail, Saka, 21, made nine international appearances this season for the Three Lions and chalked up three goals, putting in a man-of-the-match performance during England’s 4-0 victory against Andorra on his birthday last September.
After a year, the Gunners winger has been offered the perfect vote of confidence.
He got 11 goals and seven assists for Arsenal in the Premier League last season and played in every single match.
His performances at club level have also secured him his place in the England squad, with the 21-year-old playing nine times since last September, scoring three goals and getting two assists in that time.
Heritage Times HT reports that the forward made nine appearances for his country in the aftermath of that defeat to Italy, and scored World Cup qualifying goals against San Marino, and home and away to Andorra.
