PFA Player of the Year shortlist has received strong interest following the arrival of three Gunners in the final eleven players in the highly competitive Premier League season. Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes and David Raya (Arsenal), Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki are all in the six-man list. Here are the highlights of a season full of performances from individuals in top clubs. The most prominent of the many is Arsenal. Declan Rice has been pivotal in their midfield harmony, dictating pace and ensuring defensive balance.
Gabriel Magalhaes has played a reliable defensive display, holding his position well and defying the air well. Arsenal’s build-up play has also been thrown in a more interesting direction with the likes of David Raya making a habit of shot-stopping and distributing. It follows Arsenal’s impressive league form, in which the depth of their squad and discipline have been vital in keeping them consistent as a title level team. They also indicate that a new trend of rewarding performance is being introduced which goes beyond attacking statistics. Man United’s Bruno Fernandes is definitely one of the best options when it comes to injury consideration.
His creativity and assist totals demonstrate his impact on a team that relied on him greatly. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland still embodies the best in finishing and Rayan Cherki’s selection is a nod to the emerging attacking threat in European football. The shortlist is also balanced between defensive and attacking, suggesting a shift towards a more holistic approach in the way that voters vote. Competition is still open, as the decision on the award is coming up soon. Both nominees have been very productive with their teams both statistically and tactically.Â
