PFA Player of the Year shortlist introduced as Bruno Fernandes heads nominations
The PFA Player of the Year shortlist has been confirmed with Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes leading the nominations as Arsenal’s Premier League title win takes centre stage
Bruno Fernandes has headlined the awards(Image: Steve Bardens, Getty Images)
Bruno Fernandes has headlined the PFA Player’s Player of the Year award that has been dominated by Arsenal after their Premier League title win.
Arsenal trio Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes and David Raya have all been nominated alongside Manchester United skipper Fernandes, with Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki also in the running.
Despite Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph, Fernandes is aiming to bag a third major accolade having already been named the Premier League’s player of the season and the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year.
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His individual performance was truly remarkable as he shattered Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne’s assist record by setting up 21 goals, helping United secure a third-place finish and Champions League qualification, reports the Mirror.
As for Rice, his stellar form throughout the season saw him contribute 11 goals, mainly at the start of the campaign in a more forward role. He later shifted into a deeper position and played a key role in securing several vital victories for Mikel Arteta’s team.
Gabriel and Raya also had highly successful seasons, playing pivotal roles in Arsenal clinching their first league title in over two decades. The only blot on their campaigns were losses in the Champions League and Carabao Cup finals.
City lifted the latter trophy by defeating Arsenal and also won the FA Cup, with Haaland netting 38 goals across all competitions.
Cherki meanwhile, took the Premier League by storm during his maiden campaign after being snapped up for just £30million from Lyon.
He played a part in 25 goals across 52 appearances but it was his flair on the pitch and playing style that set him apart from the rest.
The two City stars are arguably outsiders considering Arsenal’s title-winning campaign and Fernandes breaking new records.
Gabriel and Raya are certainly in the running but it could come down to a straight battle between Fernandes and Rice given their significance and consistency.
With the Gunners’ Premier League title triumph now sealed, Rice seems to be the frontrunner with Fernandes’ two other honours arriving before the season’s conclusion.
PFA Player’s Player of the Year nominees
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
- David Raya (Arsenal)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
