Six nominees for PFA Player of the Year have been announced, with Declan Rice and Bruno Fernandes set to once again compete for the top prize.
Bruno Fernandes and Declan Rice nominated for Men’s PFA Player of the Year (Image: Getty)
Arsenal trio Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes and David Raya are all shortlisted for the men’s PFA Player of the Year award. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is undoubtedly their strongest opponent, with Manchester City pair Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki also named.
Despite the Gunners’ success in winning the Premier League, Fernandes has already been named Premier League Player of the Season and Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year, and is on course to claim his third major accolade.
His individual season was truly sensational, scoring 21 goals and breaking Thierry Henry’s and Kevin De Bruyne’s assist records, helping Manchester United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
As for Rice, he was excellent throughout the season, scoring 11 goals towards the start of the season in a more advanced role.
He then moved into a deep midfield position and helped Mikel Arteta’s side to some important wins.
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Gabriel and Raya also enjoyed a highly successful campaign, being an integral duo in helping Arsenal win their first league title in over 20 years. The only blots on their season were defeats in the Champions League and Carabao Cup finals.
Man City defeated Arsenal to win the latter trophy and also won the FA Cup with Haaland scoring 38 goals in all competitions.
Cherki, on the other hand, was signed from Lyon for just £30m and took the Premier League by storm in his debut season. He played in 52 games and contributed 25 goals, but what set him apart from other players was his freedom on the pitch and his style of play.
Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland are Manchester City’s two nominees for PFA Player of the Year
City’s two stars are probably not candidates, given Arsenal’s title-winning season and Fernandes’ record-setting season.
Gabriel and Raya are certainly in contention, but given the importance and availability, it could be a straight shootout between Fernandes and Rice.
With the Gunners’ Premier League title confirmed, Rice looks set to be the man to lead the way as Fernandes goes on to win two more accolades before the end of the season.
Men’s PFA Player of the Year shortlist:
Declan RiceGabriel MagalhaesDavid RayaBruno FernandezErling Haalandrayan Cherki
