The midfield duo have amassed 1,165 minutes of football in 11 PL2 appearances and have been an integral part of Andy Myers’ squad who sit top of the league ahead of its resumption after the Chrsitmas period next week.

Anjorin’s two goals against Man United last time out brought his league tally to three for the season, while Bate has anchored the midfield for the duration of all but three games thus far in his first full campaign with the Under-23s.

Anjorin and Bate are joined on the shortlist by Folarin Balogun (Arsenal), Brad Lyons (Blackburn), Harry Chapman (Blackburn), Nathan Tella (Southampton) and Harvey White (Tottenham).

The shortlist was chosen by the Premier League Football Development panel after PL2 clubs’ coaches nominated the best performances by opposing players in each league fixture in December. The winner, also chosen by the panel, will be announced in due course.

Our development squad are next in action on Friday 15 January when West Ham's Rush Green Stadium hosts the latest PL2 London derby. Kick-off next week is 7pm.