There are currently a multitude of very talented contenders for the PFA Young Player of the Year award given at the end of the season.  Narrowing down the list to seven players was tough, and some highly-rated players were left out.  To be qualified to win the prestigious award, the player must be aged 23 or under at the start of the season.  Former league greats such as Ryan Giggs, Tony Adams, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo have all previously won the achievement.  Will the next winner become a Premier League legend?  Let’s see.

Here are my top 7 picks for the PFA Young Player of the Year in the Premier League (from number 7 to my number one pick):

7. Dele Alli – Tottenham Hotspur

It certainly appears that Spurs made a shrewd investment when they purchased Dele Alli from Milton Keynes Dons for £5 million a year ago.  The 19-year-old midfielder is versatile enough to play in central midfield, defensive midfield, or even further up the pitch in a more attacking role.  His four goals and three assists in just 17 league matches (14 starts) is impressive for his age as well.  The England international also has a great understanding with Harry Kane, as the striker has been on the receiving end of all three of Alli’s Premier League assists.

6. Jack Butland – Stoke City

With eight clean sheets in 20 matches (tied for the most in the league, as of press time), Butland has been very impressive so far this season for the Potters.  The former Birmingham player has also faced a barrage of shots during the current campaign and has racked up 60 saves already.  At just 22, the England international has a long career ahead of him and will presumingly only get better.  Although Joe Hart is England’s number one keeper, Butland will be nipping at the Manchester City man’s heels soon for the top spot between the sticks.

5. Christian Eriksen – Tottenham Hotspur

Although perhaps a bit forgotten this season, Eriksen is a significant reason for the London club’s climb into the top four. While Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho and Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling receive more praise than the Denmark international, Eriksen has more assists, chances created, key passes and successful passes this season than the superstar duo. The 23-year-old’s 2.9 key passes per game rank fourth overall in the Premier League and only six other players in England have more assists during league play than Eriksen.

4. Hector Bellerin – Arsenal

Despite the youngster claiming that he did not know how to defend before joining Arsenal in 2011, Bellerin has arguably been the best right back in England over the last year or so.  In fact, squawka.com recently put the Gunner in their Premier League team of 2015.  Bellerin made his league debut with the north London outfit in 2014 due to an injury to Mathieu Debuchy, and hasn’t given up his spot since.  The speedster possesses both superb tackling ability and offensive help along the right side of the pitch (as seen HERE).

3. Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur

While some were expecting a sophomore slump for the Spurs striker, that hasn’t been the case during the current campaign.  Heading into the second half of the season, Kane has netted 11 league goals (fifth most) and was awarded Man of the Match on four occasions (according to whoscored.com).  Kane has also scored more goals in 2015 than any other player in the Premier League (27).  With Kane, Alli and Eriksen all 23 or younger, Spurs now have a very young and talented core to build around.

2. Ross Barkley – Everton

Only one Premier League player outside of Riyad Mahrez has at least six goals and six assists during the first half of the season:  Ross Barkley.  The 22-year-old Everton midfielder has always been highly-rated; however, he has not disappointed so far this season.  Not only has he netted six goals and added seven assists, but his 88% passing completion practically mirrors arguable Player of the Season, Mesut Özil.  Barkley also has more chances created and key passes than Coutinho, Sterling and Southampton’s Sadio Mane.

1. Romelu Lukaku – Everton

Where would Chelsea be right now in the table if they did not sell Lukaku to Everton in the summer of 2014?  The 22-year-old is co-leading the Premier League in goals with 15 (along with Jamie Vardy) and has also added four assists as well.  Over his last 13 league appearances, Lukaku has scored an impressive 13 goals.  According to whoscored.com, the Everton player is the second-highest rated striker in the league.  While Everton did not play up to their standards during the first half of the season, Lukaku should be the frontrunner for the PFA Young Player of the Year award for his superb offensive output.

Honorable mentions: Philippe Coutinho, Manuel Lanzini, Sadio Mane, Anthony Martial, Raheem Sterling, and John Stones.