Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)
In a season, Europa League apart – although even that ended in defeat in the final – of complete mediocrity for Manchester United, captain Bruno Fernandes has been a shining light.
Often questioned about his suitability for leadership, Fernandes has at least tried to set standards of quality and resilience several levels above most of his team-mates.
It may be strange to offer up a Footballer Of The Year candidate for a team so low in the Premier League, but Fernandes is a deserving candidate.
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s season has fallen short when it comes to winning trophies, but the consistent excellence of Declan Rice has been a stand-out.
He scored those two sensational free-kicks in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid at Emirates Stadium, then scored the winner against Newcastle United that confirmed Arsenal will be in Europe’s elite competition next season. When Harry Kane finally steps off the international stage, he should be England’s next captain.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
No-one can argue Van Dijk’s Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah doesn’t deserve the accolade of player of the year, but plenty might argue that Liverpool’s captain would also have been a worthy winner.
He was the leader and defensive kingpin as fellow Dutchman Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season as manager, with the defender showing no signs of reduced powers. Everyone at Anfield was elated when he signed a new two-year contract, even though he is 34 in July.
