Malaga’s Isco and Atletico Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois have been shortlisted to win the 2012 Golden Boy award.
Created by Italian publication Tuttosport in 2003, the Golden Boy recognises the best Under-21 footballer currently playing in Europe.
As voted for by 30 leading reporters from various publications across 20 countries, attacker Isco and goalkeeper Courtois have been selected in the final three, alongside Milan’s Stephan El Shaarawy. The winner will be announced during the week before Christmas.
Previous winners of the award include Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi, whilst the only previous Spanish recipient of the award was Cesc Fabregas.
This year’s initial shortlist for the award also included Barcelona B’s Deulofeu, Real Madrid Castilla’s Jese, Athletic Bilbao’s Iker Muniain and Atletico’s Koke.
