Manchester City star should win Player of the Year AND Young Player of the Year, says talkSPORT pundit | OneFootball

Ally McCoist has insisted that in Nico O’Reilly, Manchester City have this season’s Young Player of the Year recipient as well as the winner of the overall Player of the Year in the Premier League.

The rise of the Manchester-born academy graduate has arguably been the story of the season at the Etihad Stadium, with Nico O’Reilly becoming Pep Guardiola’s tactical Swiss Army knife, picking up the club’s Player of the Month award for February 2026.

The England international’s recent form includes a vital goal in the 3-0 dismantling of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and a brace against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final to spark a huge end-of-season push for a domestic Treble.

City sit just three points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, largely thanks to O’Reilly’s ability to cover for the injured Rodri in midfield while still offering a goal threat, and offering a level of assuredness at left-back when called upon.

Ally McCoist: “A Shoo-in for the World Cup”

Now, speaking alongside Jeff Stelling on talkSPORT, Ally McCoist has stated that Nico O’Reilly is on track to be a serious contender for both this season’s Player of the Year, and Young Player of the Year awards.

“He’s a shoo-in for Young Player of the Year, so he should be. I also think that he’s a certain starter at the World Cup,” said McCoist.

The Scotsman continued, “If they continue the way that they’re going and [Manchester] City do win the domestic treble, and he does as he has been doing, chipping in with incredibly important goals…

“I think he can win both awards. I think he could win Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.”

Wembley and the world stage awaits O’Reilly

Nico O’Reilly’s focus shifts to a frantic final month, and having already secured the Carabao Cup this year, Manchester City have also booked their place in a record fourth consecutive FA Cup Final following a 2-1 victory over Southampton.

The youngster played a composed 19 minutes off the bench in that Wembley last-four tie, having been leaned upon by his manager Guardiola to comeback from a goal behind against the Championship flyers, whilst also managing minutes ahead of a crucial top-flight meeting away at Everton on Merseyside.

Beyond possible domestic glory at the Etihad Stadium, Thomas Tuchel will also be looking on with excitement with the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off in June, and Nico O’Reilly widely expected to be a cornerstone of England’s defensive unit.

His unique physical profile – standing at 6ft 4ins – combined with his technical intelligence makes him the leading candidate to solve the Three Lions’ long-standing balance issues on the left side of the pitch, perhaps offering a role in midfield at times, too.