Big Ten Tournament semifinals preview: No. 3-seed Maryland men’s lacrosse vs. No. 2-seed Penn State
Previewing the Big Ten Tournament semifinals: Maryland takes on Penn State.
Nico O’Reilly of Manchester City is favored to win both Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, according to talkSPORT pundit Ally McCoist. He has excelled in multiple positions this season, contributing significantly to the team's success.
Mentioned in this story
Manchester City star should win Player of the Year AND Young Player of the Year, says talkSPORT pundit
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 in midfield while still offering a goal threat, and offering a level of assuredness at left-back when called upon.
Nico O'Reilly is a Manchester City midfielder and academy graduate, favored for Player of the Year due to his impressive performance, including 5 goals and 3 assists in 31 Premier League matches.
This season, Nico O'Reilly has played primarily as a midfielder, but he has also thrived as a left-back and No.10.
Ally McCoist stated that Nico O'Reilly should win both the Young Player of the Year and the overall Player of the Year in the Premier League.
Nico O'Reilly has been central to Manchester City's success, notably contributing to their FA Cup semi-final win and being named Player of the Month for February 2026.
Previewing the Big Ten Tournament semifinals: Maryland takes on Penn State.

El Barcelona busca su séptima final de la Champions en el Camp Nou.
Get ready for the Miami Grand Prix as the F1 season resumes on May 3 after a break!
How did the NFC East teams fare after the 2026 NFL Draft?
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
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.”
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.