Nico O'Reilly is certain to start for England at the World Cup - he can win Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year this season.
That's the opinion of talkSPORT's Ally McCoist, who could not speak highly enough of the 21-year-old Manchester City star.
Nico O'Reilly sitting on ball during Man City game
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O'Reilly continues to star for Man City in his breakout seasonCredit: Getty
O'Reilly has had a breakout year for Man City, making 47 appearances across all competitions and quickly becoming a key player.
He appears to have found his home under Pep Guardiola as a left-back that is free to roam forward into more attacking positions and cause problems for opponents in the final third.
And yet again on Sunday, he stood up when it mattered most for City, providing the assist for Erling Haaland's winning goal against Arsenal in their Premier League title battle.
That was the second time O'Reilly has sunk the Gunners, following his game-deciding double in the Carabao Cup final in March.
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The rising star's form has made him one of the standout stars in the top-flight, so much so that McCoist thinks he deserves to pick up a very rare double award at the end of the season.
O'Reilly has also been tipped to start at the World Cup for England over the last few months, with that decision now a very easy one for Thomas Tuchel, according to the talkSPORT Breakfast co-host.
Speaking alongside Jeff Stelling, McCoist said on Monday morning: "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."
He then added: "If they continue the way that they're going and 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 playing for Man City
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McCoist thinks O'Reilly is certain to be starting for England at the World CupCredit: Getty
He has become a key player for City in all competitions this season
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He has become a key player for City in all competitions this season
Has anyone else ever won both awards?
Should O'Reilly win both the Premier League Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, he'd become the second ever to do so.
His teammate, Haaland, is the only player to do it before.
Haaland achieved the feat in 2023, aged 22, scooping both trophies after an incredible debut season that saw him score the most goals ever in a single campaign, beating Alan Shearer's record.
When it comes to the PFA awards, should O'Reilly claim both, he'd be just the fourth player in history to do so.
Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Andy Gray are the only players to date to have won both PFA crowns in the same season.
So, it would be an unbelievable achievement for O'Reilly if he were to go on and pull off the rare feat at the end of the campaign.
Erling Haaland and Nico O'Reilly after Man City game
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Haaland is the only player ever to win both Premier League awardsCredit: Getty
Pep Guardiola applauds Manchester City's fans
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Guardiola thinks his left-back deserves to win at least one award for his performancesCredit: Getty
Pep in agreement
McCoist believes O'Reilly will be winning an award this summer and that's something that City boss Guardiola agrees with.
“He’s incredible, defensively, offensively, in set pieces…what a player he is becoming!" an ecstatic Guardiola said following his assist in the win against Arsenal on Sunday.
"Playing in different positions. He’s exceptional.
"Nico, today, has been [top] defensively, offensively, with the pace, keeping the ball, having the composure to take it.
"Again, arriving in the final third, provoking the second goal. What a season!
"I don’t know if he’s the best Player/Man of the Season, but the Young one?! Guys! It has to be!”
Nico O'Reilly before England match
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O'Reilly's form is sure to lead to a starting spot for England this summerCredit: Getty
O'Reilly a shoo-in for World Cup
O'Reilly is now the favourite to start at left-back for England this summer at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
His form is certain to be rewarded with a place in the squad, with Tuchel already handing him his first Three Lions caps.
He's played three times under the German, making his debut in November of last year following his maiden call-up.
Versatility is key at major international tournaments and having O'Reilly in the squad will provide that option for Tuchel.
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Lewis Hall is likely to be his competitor, while Djed Spence also featured in the final friendlies ahead of the World Cup.
However, the position is expected to be his come summer.