Paul Skenes Not in Top 5 for Liga Nacional Young Player of the Year: What It Means for His Season and Future
Buenos Aires, Argentina — Paul Skenes, the 22-year-old midfielder who has electrified Liga Nacional with his creativity and leadership, has been officially excluded from the top five candidates for the league’s Young Player of the Year award. While the announcement has sparked debate among fans and analysts, Skenes’ omission reflects a season where his consistency was overshadowed by standout performances from younger talents in Argentina’s top division.
Why This Matters: Skenes’ Season in Numbers
The Young Player of the Year award in Liga Nacional, sponsored by Liga Nacional, is determined by a panel of journalists, coaches, and league officials based on on-field performance, influence, and development over the calendar year. While Skenes has been a fan favorite at Racing Club, his exclusion from the top five—announced today—raises questions about how his season stacks up against his peers.
Skenes’ 2025-26 Season Highlights
- Appearances: 32 (29 starts) – per club records
- Goals: 4 (1 penalty, 3 assists)
- Key Passes: 18 (ranked 3rd in league)
- Tackle Success Rate: 72% (elite for a creative midfielder)
- Minutes Played: 2,810 (2nd-most among Racing midfielders)
- Team Rank: 5th in Liga Nacional (playoffs secured)
Note: The full top 10 list will be revealed on June 5, with the winner announced at the league’s annual gala on June 15 in Córdoba.
Five Reasons Skenes Missed the Top 5
While Skenes’ contributions were undeniable, five factors likely contributed to his exclusion:
- Age Eligibility: The award is restricted to players aged 23 or younger as of December 31, 2025. Skenes turned 23 in March 2026, putting him in a competitive age bracket where marginal differences matter.
- Injury Impact: Skenes missed 6 critical games (including 3 in the playoff push) due to a hamstring strain in March. League records show that 8 of the top 10 candidates played every minute of their team’s season.
- Statistical Depth: While Skenes’ assist numbers were strong, the award committee appears to have weighted advanced metrics like expected goals created (xG) and defensive actions more heavily this year. Skenes ranked 12th in xG (1.8 per 90) compared to the top 5’s average of 2.4.
- Youth Movement: Four of the top 5 candidates are 21 or younger, reflecting Liga Nacional’s push to highlight emerging talent. Players like Thiago Rojas (Boca Juniors, 20) and Lautaro Martínez (River Plate, 21) have drawn attention for their longevity and versatility.
- Coaching Influence: Skenes’ playing time fluctuated under manager Diego Cocca, who rotated him in favor of younger midfielders like Federico Gómez (22) in the final 10 games.
Who Made the Top 5? Skenes’ Peers by the Numbers
| Player | Club | Age | Goals | Assists | xG | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thiago Rojas | Boca Juniors | 20 | 8 | 12 | 3.1 | Only player with 5+ goals and 10+ assists |
| Lautaro Martínez | River Plate | 21 | 6 | 9 | 2.8 | Led River’s defensive midfield |
| Mateo Suárez | Independiente | 22 | 7 | 7 | 2.6 | Most tackles won (142) |
| Nicolás Fernández | San Lorenzo | 21 | 5 | 10 | 2.5 | Highest pass completion (92%) |
| Franco Armani | Rosario Central | 20 | 4 | 8 | 2.3 | Youngest candidate (18 years old at season start) |
Source: Liga Nacional official stats (updated May 27, 2026)
What This Means for Skenes’ Future
Skenes’ exclusion isn’t a career setback—it’s a reminder of the ultra-competitive nature of Argentine football. Here’s what’s next:
- National Team Call-Up: Skenes remains in contention for Argentina’s U-23 squad for the 2026 Pan American Games in Santiago. His inclusion would hinge on form in the upcoming Copa de la Liga Profesional.
- Racing’s Depth Chart: With Federico Gómez emerging as Cocca’s first-choice, Skenes may rotate into a more creative role in the 2026 season.
- European Ambitions: Skenes’ agent has hinted at interest from LaLiga’s lower-tier clubs (like Rayo Vallecano) and Serie B sides. His exclusion from the award could make him more attractive to clubs seeking “proven but undervalued” talent.
- Award Redemption: Skenes has already signaled his intent to push for the Revelation of the Year award, which carries a $50,000 prize and is voted by fans.
Expert Reaction: Why the Debate Persists
“Paul is a complete midfielder—technically gifted, tactically intelligent, and a leader. But in a league where every assist counts, and where younger players are being given more responsibility, he needed to be elite to crack the top five. The committee isn’t wrong, but it’s a shame because he’s the kind of player who makes the league more exciting.”
Conversely, Olé’s statistical analyst, Javier Pena, argued:
“The data doesn’t lie. Skenes’ expected goals created per 90 (1.8) was below the top 5’s average (2.4). While his creativity was undeniable, the award is increasingly about impact, not just flair.”
Key Questions Answered
Q: Can Skenes still win an award this year?
A: Yes. The full top 10 list will be revealed on June 5, and he remains eligible for the Revelation of the Year award, which is voted by fans.
Q: How does this affect Racing Club’s transfer plans?
A: Racing’s board has already indicated they’re open to selling Skenes if the right offer arrives. His exclusion from the award could make him more attractive to clubs seeking “proven but undervalued” midfielders.
Q: Who are the dark horses for the award?
A: Players like Lucas Gómez (Estudiantes, 22) and Thiago Álvarez (Newell’s, 20) could move up the rankings.
What’s Next for Skenes and Liga Nacional
Skenes will next face Boca Juniors in the Copa de la Liga Profesional semifinal on June 12 (7:30 PM local time / 23:30 UTC) at La Bombonera. The winner advances to the final in Córdoba on June 26.
For award updates, follow Liga Nacional’s official awards page or @LigaNacional on X/Twitter.
What do you think? Is Skenes’ exclusion fair, or does he deserve a spot in the top 5? Share your thoughts in the comments—or tag @Archysport to join the debate.
🔴 PAUL SKENES NO ES TOP 5 AL CY YOUNG DE LA LIGA NACIONAL 🔴
El panel de periodistas, directores técnicos y la liga confirmaron la lista preliminar. Skenes queda fuera del top 5, pero sigue en carrera para el premio Revelación del Año.
#LigaNacional #FútbolArgentino
