Declan Rice and Bruno Fernandes lead Premier League player award race
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes are the leading contenders for the Premier League player of the season award ahead of the May announcement.
The Gunners currently top the table, significantly boosting the chances of their standout performers claiming the prestigious individual accolade.
However, the English top flight’s history proves that the ultimate winner does not exclusively come from the championship-winning squad.
Historic assist record in sight
While a North London title victory would make their players strong favourites, a certain Portuguese playmaker is enjoying a historically productive campaign at Old Trafford.
The Manchester United maestro has already contributed eight goals and a staggering 16 assists in just 28 league appearances.
Only Norwegian striker Erling Haaland can boast more direct goal involvements this term than the former Sporting Lisbon star.
He is now firmly on track to eclipse the long-standing record of 20 assists in a single campaign, currently shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne.
Title charge boosts Emirates stars
Despite that fierce individual competition, the English midfield anchor remains the bookmakers’ favourite after transforming Mikel Arteta’s engine room.
No other player at the Emirates has registered more than his five league assists, and he comfortably tops the club’s charts for chances created.
His defensive colleague Gabriel has also earned widespread plaudits for providing tremendous solidity at the back.
The Brazilian centre-back has chipped in with crucial attacking interventions, including a dramatic 90th-minute winner against Newcastle in September.
Over the last five seasons, the individual honour has exclusively belonged to members of the championship-winning squad, with Mohamed Salah preceding a long run of Manchester City winners.
Surprise packages enter the fray
Beyond the traditional powerhouses, several unexpected stars have forced their way into the end-of-season conversation.
Antoine Semenyo has slotted seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s attacking system following a high-profile January transfer from Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, powerful forward Igor Thiago has proven to be an absolute revelation leading the line for Brentford.
BBC reporters have already begun casting their preliminary votes, with the all-action Gunners talisman emerging as the early frontrunner.
Arsenal’s Rice wins my vote as player of the year for his consistently high quality and leadership as Mikel Arteta’s side go in search of elusive trophies.
Add his dead-ball expertise and Rice is the full package as a midfielder in the top class.
