Bobby Clark shortlisted for EFL Young Player of the Season Award 2026
Image Credits: Imago Images
The EFL have announced their awards shortlist across all divisions, with former Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark recognised for an impressive Championship season.
Clark has been nominated for the 2026 EFL Young Player of the Season award after making 40 league appearances for Derby County on loan from RB Salzburg.
The 21-year-old has recorded seven goal involvements, scoring three times and providing four assists, including a setup for Carlton Morris in Derby’s 2-0 win over Stoke City on Easter Monday.
He is joined on the shortlist by Jordan James (Leicester City), Ashley Phillips (Stoke City) and Sydie Peck (Sheffield United). The winner will be announced at the EFL Awards on Sunday, April 19, with the ceremony broadcast live on Sky Sports Football from 8:30pm.
Clark has been a consistent presence in Derby’s midfield, blending creativity with work rate. He has produced 22 chances for teammates and completed 612 passes at a 72.3% success rate, highlighting his vision and influence in build-up play.
Defensively, he has shown his all-round ability, recording 60 tackles, 20 interceptions and 166 recoveries, underlining his work rate and importance in transitions.
His versatility enables him to impact the game both defensively and offensively, marking him out as a complete midfielder at just 21.
He joined RB Salzburg from Liverpool in the summer of 2024 on a permanent deal to reunite with former Reds assistant Pep Lijnders, who had taken over as head coach.
Clark signed a five-year contract in a deal worth around £10m. The attacking midfielder made 14 appearances during his time at Anfield. Bobby Clark spent three years at Liverpool after joining from Newcastle United in August 2021.
The attack-minded midfielder made his senior debut a year later, coming off the bench in a 9-0 home win over AFC Bournemouth.
He made 14 appearances in total, including a substitute role in the Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea at Wembley in February 2024. Clark also scored in a Europa League clash against Sparta Prague at Anfield during the 2023/24 season.
A stellar season to see @Bobbylclark10 on the shortlist. 🔥🎬 https://t.co/IiLfd5d6OL pic.twitter.com/RwDZzmRtOU
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) April 8, 2026