Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez up for PFA Young Player of the Year
AFC Bournemouth duo Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez have both been nominated for the prestigious PFA Young Player of the Year award, following stellar performances throughout the 2024/25 Premier League season.
The recognition caps off a breakthrough year for both players, who have become key figures in Andoni Iraola’s side. Their consistent displays and maturity beyond their years have not only caught the attention of Cherries fans but also of their peers across the league, with the PFA nominations placing them among the most exciting young talents in English football.
Huijsen, 20, joined the Cherries on loan from Juventus in January and quickly made an impact at the Vitality Stadium. The towering Dutch centre-back slotted seamlessly into the backline, bringing calmness, composure, and leadership. His ability to read the game and his prowess in aerial duels helped shore up Bournemouth’s defence during the latter part of the campaign, earning plaudits from pundits and teammates alike.
Meanwhile, Milos Kerkez, also 20, has gone from strength to strength since arriving from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023. The Hungarian left-back enjoyed a breakout season, blending attacking dynamism with defensive discipline. Known for his tireless energy and overlapping runs, Kerkez contributed both defensively and offensively, chipping in with three assists and a goal over the campaign. His aggressive yet intelligent style of play has made him a fan favourite on the south coast.
Bournemouth boss Iraola hailed both players for their work ethic and rapid development. “Dean and Milos have shown real maturity and consistency at a young age. They’ve embraced the challenge of Premier League football and have been instrumental to the team’s progress this season,” he said.
This is the first time two Bournemouth players have been shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award in the same season — a sign of the club’s growing stature and its commitment to nurturing emerging talent. The pair are up against tough competition, with the shortlist also including the likes of Manchester City’s Rico Lewis, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, and Brighton’s Evan Ferguson.
The PFA Young Player of the Year is awarded based on votes from fellow professional players, making it one of the most respected individual honours in English football. Previous winners include the likes of Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard, and Bukayo Saka — all of whom went on to achieve great success at the highest level.
With the awards ceremony scheduled for early July, Huijsen and Kerkez will be hoping their standout performances are enough to secure the individual accolade. Regardless of the outcome, their nominations alone signal bright futures for both players and underscore the exciting direction in which AFC Bournemouth is heading.
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