Alexander-Arnold, Kluivert lead shortlist for Golden Boy award

Tosin Abayomi 14:09 - 21 November 2018

Kylian Mbappe was the surprise name left out as the nominees for the 2018 Golden Boy award were announced.

The final five were announced by the founders of the award Italian sports newspaper on Wednesday, November 21.

The Golden Boy award is a reward for the best under 21 players in the European league for their performances across the year.

Mbappe out

Paris Saint-Germain who won the award in 2017 was unexplainably left of the final nominees.

Mbappe is still 19-years-old and is eligible to be among the final nominees after his stellar performance for Paris Saint-Germain as they won all the titles available in France.

Asides helping reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe held France win the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and was crowned Young Player of the Tournament.

Mbappe was included in the initial 40-man list but was excluded among the top five.

The final nominees

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold who played in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, AC Milan striker Patrick Cutrone.

Imported from Brazil Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior with two Netherland internationals Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt and Roma's Justin Kluivert.

Some of the best players in world football have emerged winners of the Golden Boy award such as Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling, Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and Barcelona .