Athletic Bilbao’s Iker Muniain was voted by our writers as the Young Player of the Season for his outstanding displays that helped the Basque side reach two cup finals.

Young Player of the Season

Dubbed “the Spanish Messi” by the media, Iker Muniain has certainly lived up to that billing this season. His brilliant performances for Athletic Bilbao this season have helped his side make a real mark on Europe, beating 2011 Champions League runners-up Manchester United in the process.

The 19-year-old from Pamplona made his professional debut for youth team Bilbao Athletic but after 19 appearances he impressed so much that he was instantly given a place in the first team at the tender age of just 16.

Since, he has impressed but this season in what is widely regarded as his breakthrough season has been impeccable.

Debate over whether or not he should be selected for Spain’s Euro 2012 squad shows just how well Muniain has played. 57 appearances for Athletic this season have produced only nine goals but it is his ability to keep the ball and hold onto possession that has everyone talking.

Playing alongside the likes of Javi Martinez, Oscar de Marcos, Ander Herrera and Fernando Llorente has made Muniain one of the most exciting youngsters in world football today.

A brilliant season and let’s hope a similar summer follows.

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