Ireland's Michael Obafemi has been nominated for the 2020 European Golden Boy award.
The Southampton forward is on the 100-man shortlist for the honour, which is run by Italian newspaper Tuttosport.
The shortlist was revealed yesterday, and the winner will be decided by a public vote on the newspaper's website.
The 20-year-old has been nominated alongside some of Europe's most in-demand young talents, including Jadon Sancho, Vinicius Junior and Erling Haaland.
To qualify for the award, the player must be under the age of 21, and playing in any top division in Europe.
The Dubliner is in serious company among Europe's elite, with the award boasting previous winners of the likes of Sergio Aguero and one Lionel Messi.
Obafemi has made 15 appearances in the Premier League for the Saints this season, ten of which came from the bench and scored two goals, and can still make an impact when action resumes this week.
The Ireland international has struggled to find his best form for Ralph Hassenhuttl's side this season, but his sensational solo goal against Chelsea on St Stephens Day showed his evident potential.
Obafemi was Southampton's youngest ever player to feature in the Premier League, making his debut in January 2018 at just 17 years and 199 days old.
Having made his international debut in the 0-0 draw away at Denmark later that year, ending all speculation about his international allegiance, Obafemi's only involvement in the green jersey since has been at youth level.
Following criticism from Saints boss Hassenhuttl about his professionalism, the forward hopes to regain his club form and break back into the Ireland senior setup.
He said: "I know I’m not 100% as professional as I could be. I’m still young, I still need to learn certain stuff.
“Obviously I want to get consistent performances here to make sure I can get back in the (Ireland senior) squad, hopefully go to the Euro 2020 play-offs and potentially even be a hero.”
