Two Manchester City players up for prestigious award previously won by Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney and Erling Haaland

Manchester City duo Rico Lewis and Maximo Perrone have both been nominated for the prestigious Golden Boy award.

The pair are two of 100 young footballers nominated to win the prestigious award, with the winner decided via Tuttosport website votes and a selection of European journalists.

Barcelona star Gavi was last year’s winner of the Golden Boy, an award which is given to the best U21 player from across Europe’s top divisions.

Notable previous winners include Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, as well as Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney and Kylian Mbappe.

A total of 13 Premier League players were amongst the 100 nominees, which included the likes of Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, Antonio Silva and highly rated PSV midfielder Xavi Simons.

Manchester City teenager Rico Lewis was one of two Blues player’s nominated, after a sensational breakthrough season for the teenager.

The 18 year-old was part of Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning squad, making 23 appearances and 16 starts, across four competitions.

Lewis made his full Premier League debut against Leeds United in December after impressing against both Chelsea and Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

The teenager was also handed notable starts in both Premier League matches against Tottenham, and featured in City’s final three league matches of the campaign.

Maximo Perrone is also up for the Golden Boy award with the young Argentine having moved to the Etihad Stadium in January, following an £8.2 million move from Velez Sarsfield.

The 20 year-old signed a five-and-a-half year deal at the Etihad Stadium, and featured in two matches for Manchester City.

Perrone made his Premier League and City debut from the bench against Bournemouth in February and then featured again in an FA Cup tie away to Bristol City.

The midfielder, who was allowed to miss a portion of the campaign to play at the U20 South American Championships, was also an unused substitute in five Champions League matches.