Golden Boy 2019 shortlist whittled down with only six…

Golden Boy 2019 shortlist whittled down with only six Premier League players left standing

The 2019 Golden Boy award nominees have been knocked down to a 40-man short list - and only six Premier League players have made the cut.

The annual award recognises the best under-21 talents playing in Europe and has previously been won by the likes of Wayne Rooney, Raheem Sterling and Paul Pogba.

Centre back Matthijs de Ligt is the holder of the gong, which is awarded by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, and could become the first star to win the award twice.

The Dutchman joined Juventus in the summer for £67.8m after an incredible campaign with Ajax - which saw him reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Matthijs de Ligt won the award last season (SIPA USA/PA Images)

Only six English based players have made the cut, which has already dipped from 100 to 80 to 40.

Arsenal have midfielder Matteo Guendouzi and Reiss Nelson represented, while Chelsea's academy star Mason Mount, who spent last year at Derby, is also on the list.

Title holders Manchester City boast Phil Foden, after he made 26 appearances across all competitions as Pep Guardiola's men won a domestic treble.

Moise Kean moved to Everton from Juve in the summer and is included, while Watford's former City midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru is also in he running despite not making a league appearance.