Also featuring in the Player of the Year polling, Allan Saint-Maximin takes out your Young Player of the Year award for the 2017-18 season. The explosive winger was your overwhelming choice, taking out a massive 83% of the votes ahead of Bassem Srarfi (7%) and Malang Sarr (4%).

He is one of those players that can bring an entire stadium to its feet. That exciting, mercurial player that we pay good money to see. Named Aiglon of the Month for August, it epitomised just what he can bring to the club and also revealed his huge potential. Irrepressible one-on-one – even in a Champions League play-off – but still with room for improvement with the final pass or shot, ‘Maximus’ certainly made an impact in his first year in Rouge et Noir. An explosive talent, he scored five goals and delivered nine assists in 37 appearances in all competitions. Author of some simply breath-taking skill and accelerations, his future never looked brighter.

“I am really honoured to receive this award,” declared the Nice No.7. “To be named Young Player of the Year and also finish third in the running for Aiglon of the Year is a great source of pride and I think it bodes well for the future. Thank you to everyone.”

Two other young players, with very different profiles complete the top three. After joining the club in the winter of 2017, Bassem Srarfi (7%) played his first full season in Ligue 1 and in Europe. More consistent, more physical and capable of flashes of brilliance, the man that has since become a Tunisia international, scored three goals in his 33 appearances in all competitions. 

A graduate of the club’s youth academy, 19-year-old Malang Sarr completes the podium with 4% of the voting in just his second season in the top flight. A solid defender, he has gained invaluable experience this term, making 28 appearances in all competitions, including 21 starts.

MY HIGHLIGHT

Allan Saint-Maximin: “I would have to say the match against Toulouse. That was THE match because we were doing it tough and we managed to win 2-1 at the death. That was the moment that we started to turn things around and climb back up the standings. It really was the turning point, and then we enjoyed that great run in Europe. Now we have to finish the job and we will do everything we can to do just that!”

---