Guardiola O’Reilly young player award backing as Man City boss praises midfielder’s impressive season and impact

Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, has backed midfielder Nico O’Reilly to win the Premier League Young Player of the Season award following the club’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal in Manchester, England, on Saturday, April 20, 2026.

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The Guardiola young player award endorsement came after the teenager played a key role in the win, providing the assist for Erling Haaland’s decisive second-half goal.

Guardiola praised O’Reilly’s remarkable consistency and influence throughout the campaign, describing his performances as deserving of top recognition among young players.

“Nico O’Reilly deserves to win the Premier League Best Young Player of the Season. What a season he has had,” Guardiola said, according to a post shared by Fabrizio Romano.

The young player award support also reflected the manager’s confidence in the midfielder’s growth, as he highlighted the player’s composure and ability to deliver in crucial moments.

While Guardiola admitted uncertainty over the overall Player of the Season race, he was emphatic about O’Reilly’s credentials in the youth category.

O’Reilly’s rise has been one of the defining stories of Manchester City’s season, with the young midfielder earning recognition for his versatility and maturity beyond his years.

The endorsement is expected to strengthen his chances ahead of the league’s end-of-season honours, with growing attention on his performances across competitions.

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Guardiola’s backing adds further weight to O’Reilly’s case, positioning the midfielder as a leading contender for one of the Premier League’s most prestigious individual youth awards.