Bruno Fernandes is breaking records, but Gabriel, Declan Rice and even Marc Guehy should be ahead of him for Footballer of the Year honors.
Bruno Fernandes is enjoying a great campaign at Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
Bruno Fernandes is making a strong case for the Player of the Year title. His two assists in Manchester United’s win over Aston Villa took him to 100 assists for the club, breaking David Beckham’s record and reaching 16 in a season.
Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry’s Premier League record of 20 goals in a season is currently under threat.
There is no doubt that he is the best player in the team and could possibly finish third in the table. It’s a turnaround in some ways, and another great season. As a colleague wrote after the Villa game, where would United be without him?
But unfortunately, that’s not enough to make him Player of the Year. It must be from the team that won the title.
Compared to Arsenal defender Gabriel and in-form midfielder Declan Rice, it will not be enough to lift United to respectable results.
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If Manchester City were to steal the title from Arsenal, Marc Guehi would definitely be a candidate. He was a force for change.
I actually think Dominik Szoboszlai makes a very good case for being part of a struggling team (and United too). He was Liverpool’s best player by a country mile.
Why isn’t he talked about? Well, that’s obvious. Liverpool had a disappointing season. So, forgive me, why are the ratings for Fernandes different?
This is a player we will scrutinize and debate whether he is worthy of being captain. Still, he now appears to be on track to be named Player of the Year.
Indeed, Arsenal players must win to win the title. It has to be about the players making an impact to help the team win trophies.
A long time ago, I voted for Scott Parker for the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award. West Ham were relegated. But it taught me a lesson. This means that you should aim to be a player on a winning team.
Fernandes receives praise from his team-mates during United’s win over Aston Villa (Image: Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images)
It’s also worth remembering who was named Player of the Year when United won the treble in 1999. here you are David Ginola. He was great, but the vote was split between many United candidates. Not that Sir Alex Ferguson thought that was an acceptable excuse.
This time, Arsenal could be doomed by having two strong candidates in Gabriel and Reis. Normally, Bukayo Saka would be in any conversation, but by his own high standards this hasn’t been his best season personally.
Gabriel was a rock on defense, a giant on offense, and a leader on his team. He has broken records as a goal-scoring defender. He has three goals and four assists in the Premier League. Personally, he would win for me now.
Rice is also a big hit. What a great season he’s having. His performances were excellent, his corner kicks (and assists) sensational, and at times he led Arsenal. Rice has four goals and five assists. He took Arsenal to a new level.
It’s a close race between the two and it could help Fernandes, who is clearly a great choice. But there are United factors at play here. It’s the biggest club, the most talked about, so every player gets more attention.
However, City are still in the mix. It was not a vintage season by Pep Guardiola’s standards. But everything changed in January. And if they win the title, and they still can, Guehi will be the signing that swings the title in their favor.
Guehi led Crystal Palace to the FA Cup and Europe for the first time last season, conducted himself with dignity and respect amidst the transfer turmoil, and has tightened up City’s defense since his arrival in January.
Guehi looks like he will be a great option throughout the season. Great players set great examples and took their performance to new levels.
All of these players have the potential to be winners, and that should be the barometer for the Player of the Year award.
Declan Rice plays a key role for Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
Player of the year candidate list
Bruno Fernandes Gabriel Declan Reismark Gechidominik Szoboschlei
Young Player of the Year (21 and under at the start of the season)
Rio Ngmoja Max Dorman Estebao Willian Nico O’Reilly Alex Scott
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