China U-20 forward Dong Fangzhou has been shortlisted with some of the game's biggest names for the first FIFPro Young player of the Year award, which will be presented on September 19 in London.
 
FIFPro, the worldwide representative organization for professional players, released their shortlist of 12 names for the award on Thursday, which included the 20-year-old Chinese striker alongside Holland's Arjen Robben, Brazilian Robinho, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Freddy Adu of the United States and England's Wayne Rooney.

Dong was signed by English Premier League giants Manchester United from China Super League side Dalian Shide in a high-profile transfer last year. He spent last season at United's feeder club, Royal Antwerp, scoring six goals as they finished fourth in Belgium's second division.

Dong was also part of the China squad that finished second at the AFC Youth Championship in 2004, scoring the winner in his side's 1-0 victory against Qatar during the group stage.

FIFPro Young player of the Year award nominees:

Dong Fangzhou (China), Javier Mascherano (Argentina), Wayne Rooney (England), Arjen Robben (Holland), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Robinho (Brazil), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Rio Mavuba (France), Giorgio Chiellini (Italy), Obafemi Martins (Nigeria), Freddy Adu (United States).

(China Daily via FootballAsia.com August 22, 2005)