As we approach the final stretch of the 2023/24 Premier League season, we wanted to shed a spotlight on six potential frontrunners for the league's Player of the Season award!
Check Out: Why Mbappe's Exit Will Be Good For PSG
Declan Rice
It seems that holding midfielders are more valuable than ever, judging by the going rates of some of the best in the position, but given the impact that Declan Rice has had on the Arsenal team since arriving for €116.60 million (R2.4 billion), that valuation looks to be justified. The Gunners looked fallible without Thomas Partey at the base of their midfield during their title charge last season, but with the Ghanaian out for the majority of this campaign due to injury too, Rice's inclusion has made the west African an afterthought. While he is most known for his defensive acumen, the England international has six goals and six assists, highlighting his versatility. The 25-year-old performs at a high level almost every week, which now seems to be taken for granted, but he is definitely in the running to be crowned the league's Player of the Year.
Rodri
In a league where goals are being scored at an extraordinary rate, yet another defensive player has stood out among the rest this campaign in Rodri. Like Rice, the Spaniard's consistent excellence is regarded as standard at this point, but there is one telling statistic that outlines just how integral of a cog the 27-year-old is to the Manchester City machinery. The Citizens have played 28 games in the league this season and are unbeaten in the 25 matches he has played. The three games he missed through suspension? They lost all of them. While he may not play in a glamorous position, this may be the most opportune chance for him to win such an award.
Phil Foden
In a season where the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland have been sidelined for large parts, a consistent presence in the City attack has been Phil Foden. It seems like he has been around forever, but at just 23 years old, the young attacker seems to finally be coming into his own. The versatile forward has already matched his highest goalscoring season in England's top flight with his 11 goals, and has already provided more assists than ever before with seven.
Ollie Watkins
Many wouldn't have anticipated for Foden to be in the running for the award, and perhaps the same is true for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. The England international has seemingly played closer to goal since the arrival of Unai Emery at Villa Park, much like Edinson Cavani, whom the Spaniard had previously worked with at Paris Saint-Germain. This has not only coincided with Watkins contending for the Golden Boot, but has also seen the West Midlands club look favourites for the final UEFA Champions League position. Watkins is now a bona fide scorer, transformed under his Spanish coach and with a robust claim to being the most well-rounded striker in the league – on top of his 18 goals, he also has 10 assists.
Virgil van Dijk
This season was expected to be a transitional one for Liverpool as they were expected to adjust to having an entirely new midfield, as well as developing budding stars. Injuries have seen the integration of young defenders into the Reds' backline, but through it all, Virgil van Dijk has maintained his elite standards and help Jurgen Klopp's side exceed expectations by now contending for the title. All seven of the major honours the German has won since becoming boss have all come after the signing of the Netherlands captain, and both of them will be hoping to win a few more before the conclusion of the campaign.
Check Out: Radebe: I Feel More Loved In Leeds But...
Gabriel
While Van Dijk may be regarded as a Rolls-Royce defender, Arsenal's Gabriel would be categorised as the antithesis to that. He plays with a lot of aggression and because of that, he has been prone to making the odd mistake, but this season he seems to have eradicated that and has combined with William Saliba to form the most imperious defence in the league. He has also proved an offensive weapon, having scored four goals from set-pieces, contributing to making the north Londoners the most prolific side from set-plays.
Disclaimer: SNL24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on SNL24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of SNL24.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH VIDEO:
