Sterling, Sturridge, Ramsey And Others Fight Over Young Player Award

The nominees for the 2013-14 PFA Young Player of the Year Award have been announced with two Liverpool players in contention.

Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling make the list and are joined by Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, Southampton left-back Luke Shaw, Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey and Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.

Sturridge and Hazard are also nominated for the main PFA Player of the Year award, which will be presented at a ceremony in London on April 27.

England striker Sturridge, 24, has enjoyed his best season yet, with 20 goals and nine assists in 26 Premier League appearances helping power Liverpool’s title challenge.

Sterling, 19, has also been a key component of the Liverpool side that currently enjoy a two-point cushion at the top of the table, scoring seven goals, including the opener in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Manchester City.

Belgian wizard Hazard, 23, has been outstanding for title-chasing Chelsea, scoring 17 goals in 46 matches across all competitions in his most productive season yet.

Shaw, 18, has forced his way into England World Cup reckoning after consistent performances at left-back for Southampton throughout the season.

Welsh international Ramsey, 23, was in excellent form as Arsenal sprung to the top of the table, scoring 13 goals in all competitions and setting up eight more.

Barkley, 20, is also tipped by many for a starting berth in England’s team in Brazil after outstanding performances in Everton’s pursuit of a Champions League spot.

PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor said: ‘The quality of the Young Player nominations is a cause for real celebration. There are some extremely talented players coming through at the highest level of our domestic game and four of the six nominees already play for England, with Aaron Ramsey a stalwart of the Welsh national side.’