With the Premier League season nearing its end, all eyes are on the race for the title. As well as the anticipation surrounding individual awards, notably the prestigious PFA Player of the Year for the 2023–24 season.
The PFA Player of the Year award holds the highest esteem among Premier League players, given that it’s voted on by their fellow professionals.
This season has seen numerous standout performers who have been indispensable for their respective clubs, symbolising their immense value.
Unlike the previous campaign – which saw Erling Haaland comfortably secure the award following his stellar debut season – this time around there are multiple contenders in contention for the honour.
Here at SportsLens, we’ve gathered a list of individuals in no particular order whom we believe are in contention for the esteemed PFA Player of the Year award.
PFA Player Of The Year Contenders
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
First up on our list is Liverpool’s Egyptian king, whose pivotal contributions have been integral to their league-leading position.
With an impressive record of 16 goals and nine assists in the Premier League this season, it’s evident why he’s a standout contender for the award.
Despite missing two months and only making 23 appearances (21 starts) in the Premier League, Mohamed Salah ranks 2nd for goals scored (16) and assists (9), and still leads the league in big chances created (19).
The King 👑 pic.twitter.com/QC9ovC6UB7
— LFC Stats (@LFCData) April 1, 2024
Virgil Van Dijk – Liverpool
The Dutch defender has revived his exceptional form this season, silencing doubts about his recovery from a serious injury suffered in 2020.
Boasting eight clean sheets and contributions at the opposite end with two goals and two assists, his value to Liverpool goes beyond being their club captain. A ‘Rolls-Royce’ defender in every sense, he has shown little signs of slowing down this term.
Virgil Van Dijk 23/24 – I wonder@VirgilvDijk pic.twitter.com/abXNpyPOYS
— aj 🇵🇸 (@vintajk) January 6, 2024
Declan Rice – Arsenal
Following his £105 million transfer to Arsenal in the summer, Declan Rice faced the inevitable debate as to whether he was truly worth the hefty price tag.
Nonetheless, Rice has proven himself as a standout performer this season, playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s continued resurgence as title contenders for another year.
The way on which the Gunners play has helped to broaden his own horizons, with Rice now seemingly taking on the shape of a Grant Xhaka ‘number eight’ type role, seeing him chip in with a personal-best season for goal contributions.
Let me cleanse your timeline with Declan Rice comp 23/24 season pic.twitter.com/DiN3CHVsGd
— • (@_goatnelli) February 22, 2024
Phil Foden – Manchester City
The “Stockport Messi” is now truly living up to his nickname. Despite not being a consistent starter in past seasons under Pep Guardiola, Phil Foden has now secured his place in the lineup, becoming an essential and irreplaceable player for the team.
Having scored 14 goals and provided seven assists in the Premier League this season for his boyhood club, it would come as no shock if he were to clinch the award.
Of course, much of that hangs on whether City can secure an unprecedented fourth league title in a row – in that case Foden’s contribution would be nigh-undeniable.
— ☁️ (@lafodance) March 16, 2024
Rodri – Manchester City
Widely regarded as the best holding midfielder in the world, it’s unsurprising to see Rodri’s name among the contenders. His ability to simplify the game makes him an exceptional footballer, demonstrating sheer brilliance on the pitch.
Moreover, Rodri’s remarkable streak of being undefeated in 64 Premier League games sets a new record, further emphasising his significance to Pep Guardiola’s team.
Rodri in the Premier League so this season:
◉ Most touches
◉ Most successful passes
◉ Most successful passes into final ⅓
◉ Most successful long passes
◉ Most possession won
◎ 71% aerial duel success
◎ 7 goals
◎ 6 assistsAn absolute midfield monster. pic.twitter.com/L5ubJSTCJN
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 3, 2024
Who Is The Favourite To Win The PFA Player Of The Year?
Leading the race for the award is Manchester City’s Rodri, who boasts the most favourable odds across UK bookmakers to claim the prestigious accolade. Following closely behind Rodri is his City teammate, Phil Foden.
Despite being just 23 years old, Foden has already amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including five Premier League titles, establishing himself as one of the league’s most accomplished players.
Completing the top three in the latest odds is Arsenal’s record-breaking signing, Declan Rice. Notably, Rice recently made history by captaining England for the first time in a match against Belgium, coinciding with his 50th appearance for the national team.
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