The Golden Boy award is often regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades in world football, which is why it is confusing Declan Rice failed to make the 20-man shortlist.
The 20-man short-list for the 2019 Golden Boy award has been released!
Who do you think should win it? pic.twitter.com/GalqmxEMiL
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) October 15, 2019
The West Ham midfielder, who has a Transfermarkt valuation of £45m, missed out ahead of the likes of Phil Foden, Matteo Guendouzi and Mason Mount in the annual award for the best performing youngster in the game as reported by BBC Sport.
With Rice playing a crucial role for West Ham over the past two seasons as well as being an established international with England, it is understandable as to why some Irons fans on social media were confused as to why the 20-year-old midfielder was not shortlisted for the Golden Boy award over the likes of Foden, who is yet to start a Premier League game for Manchester City this campaign.
Here’s what some West Ham fans had to say about Rice’s omission from the Golden Boy shortlist…
If Declan rice plays for a top 6 club he’s on that list
— Brandon Gouge (@brandon_gouge) October 15, 2019
Foden and no Rice?
No doubt that Foden has talent but he’s barely played?!
— Tom Wain (@waino57) October 15, 2019
Suprised Deccy Rice didn’t even get shortlisted for Golden Boy. Admittedly West Ham ain’t won trophies etc but at 20 to have 70 PL appearances and be playing in the England squad qualifies more than a few of the others. Big club bias?
— Jake Carter (@JakeyC247) October 15, 2019
Some supporters were surprised by Rice not being included on the 20-man list…
100% agree. Don’t get me wrong I like mason mount, but he’s played, what 8 premier league games? How does that justify being on the short list
— Ryan Gouge (@RyanGouge89) October 15, 2019
declan rice didnt make the 2019 golden boy shortlist but phil foden and mason mount did? HA ok makes sense
— asim (@asim1098) October 15, 2019
Guendouzi makes the shortlist for the Golden Boy award…. wonder why Declan Rice wasn’t on that list???
— Bradley Leggett (@bradleyleggett) October 15, 2019
Rice has played every minute of Premier League football as stats from Transfermarkt show.