The PFA have released the shortlist for the Player of the Year awards. Unsurprisingly, players from the Premier League champions Arsenal dominate the list.
Arsenal players make up half the list
The Arsenal players on the shortlist are goalkeeper David Raya, centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes and central midfielder Declan Rice.
All three players played a key role in the Gunners’ first title in 22 years, as the north London team finished the season with the best defensive record in the division.
Goalkeeper Raya also claimed the Premier League Golden Glove for a third straight campaign. The Spaniard would be among a rare breed if he claimed the award, as only two goalkeepers have claimed the award, Pat Jennings in 1976 and Peter Shilton in 1978.
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Rice didn’t just contribute defensively to their success, though, as he scored four goals and also produced five assists in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Gabriel also scored three goals and produced four assists, so both players had an effect at both ends of the pitch.
Who are the other players on the shortlist?
The other players on the PFA shortlist are Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City pair Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland.
Fernandes enjoyed a stellar campaign for United, scoring nine times in the Premier League and producing a record 21 assists in one season. His performances for the Red Devils have already seen him awarded the FWA Player of the Year award.
Although Manchester City failed to win silverware, the Citizens’ star striker Erling Haaland still scored 27 goals to claim another top-flight Golden Boot.
The Norwegian’s teammate, Rayan Cherki, also enjoyed a stellar campaign in his first season in the English game. The former Lyon star scored four Premier League goals, but it’s his 12 assists that have led to the Frenchman’s selection on the shortlist.
The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony, which will take place on Tuesday, 25th August, at The Opera House in Manchester.