PFA Player of the Year: Who are the favourites to win?
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The Premier League title may be all-but decided butthere is still one award up fully for grabs, PFA Player of the Year.
It’s no surprise thatthe standout performers have been Liverpool players as they seek to clinch amemorable league title for the first time in thirty years.
Virgil Van Dijk wasthe deserved winner last season, can he repeat the feat in 2020? Here are someof the front-runners this time around…
JordanHenderson
The Liverpool captainis one of the favourites to win the award and has led his team by example witha string of impressive displays and key performances in the heart of midfield.
Let’s not forget,Jordan Henderson is the current England Player of the Year for his country. Hehas shown consistency, tenacity and leadership, playing a vital role in hisside’s record-breaking campaign.
In the Premier League,Henderson has notched up 25 appearances. He’s scored three goals and made fiveassists which have helped his side take a mighty 82 points from a possible 87available.
Kevinde Bruyne
The Manchester Citystar will be in with a shout to scoop the award ahead of a Liverpool-strongfield. De Bruyne leads the way in terms of assists with a whopping 16 goalscreated for his City team mates.
The Belgian has firmlyestablished himself as one of the Premier League’s greatest talents in what hasbeen another impressive season at the Etihad. He missed the majority of lastseason with a knee injury, but he has been back to his best this campaign. Acertain contender.
SadioMane
The Liverpool frontmanhas been unplayable at times with his pace and energy. This season, he hasoutshone both Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino in attack.
The African Footballerof the Year commands huge respect from all his opponents. Until his recentinjury, he was in fine form, he scored or assisted in all but one match inDecember and currently has 14 goals and nine assists to his name.
Has he done enough toclinch the 2020 Player of the Year?
VirgilVan Dijk
A worthy winner lastseason. Virgil Van Dijk has continued to build his reputation as one of thebest centre backs in world football.
Liverpool haveconceded just 21 goals so far this season, the lowest in the Premier League.The Dutchman has been an integral part of that record with commandingperformances at the back.
Only five footballershave ever won two PFA Players’ Player of the Year trophies, with only Henry andRonaldo retaining the award in consecutive season. Can Van Dijk join them?
TrentAlexander-Arnold
Finally, anotherLiverpool player makes our shortlist. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been arevelation and continues to build on his ever-growing reputation as one of thecountry’s best full-backs.
Aged just 21-year-old,the defender has shown the maturity of a player beyond his years. He’s been aregular performer for the league leaders with 12 assists and ten clean sheetsin his 29 appearances. The full-back is likely to be a contender for PFA YoungPlayer of the Year too.
Jamie Vardy(Leicester), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) and Raheem Sterling(Manchester City) are three other players to round off the list for the award.
Vardy and Aubameyanglead the race for the Golden Boot with 19 goals and 17 goals apiece. Sterlinghas an outside chance after netting three hat-tricks this season.
Allodds and markets correct as of date of publication.
