Eden Hazard, David De Gea, Alexis Sanchez, Diego Costa, Phillipe Coutinho and Harry Kane have been nominated by their fellow professionals as the PFA Player of the Year, but who deserves the prestigious honour? Let's take a look at each nominee and how their season as shaped up so far:
Eden Hazard:
It's tough to find words to describe Eden Hazard. The Belgian has torched defences for fun as he's helped Chelsea propel to the top of the Premier League. His quick feet, bursts of speed and dazzling dribbling have seen him draw plaudits from fans all over the globe. The 24-year old, also nominated for Young Player of the Year, has 13 goals and 8 assists, so far this campaign but his resumé contains more than just stats. The impact Hazard has on this current Chelsea side is second to none and he has consistently proven himself to be one of the world's best players from the very first weekend onwards.
David De Gea:
Manchester United's player of the season, without a doubt. The Spaniard has been spectacular in between the sticks for Louis Van Gaal's side, keeping them in games when they were in poor form at the beginning of the season. If De Gea were to win, he would be the first goalkeeper to win the award since Peter Shilton in 1977-78. The shot-stopper, with 10 clean sheets this season, has been no less than impressive throughout the topsy-turvy campaign and deserves all the praise being aimed at him.
Alexis Sanchez:
The former Barcelona winger has set English football in his debut season with Arsenal, almost single-handedly carrying them in the early parts of the season. Sanchez has scored 14 goals to partner his 8 assists, an impressive tally that should increase before the final day. His contribution to Arsenal, in terms of being involved directly in goals and even leadership, speak volumes. The one downside Alexis Sanchez may receive is his early season form has fizzled out and he has struggled, for his standards, since December.
Diego Costa:
After moving from Atletico Madrid in the summer, many questioned the ability of Diego Costa and whether he could score goals in the Premier League. In his debut season, he’s racked up 19 goals (level with Kane & Aguero) and has terrorized defences for fun. Costa has been instrumental in Chelsea’s success in the top flight as they approach their first league title in 5 years. The Brazilian-born Spaniard has struggled with injury as of late and hasn’t been at his best since February, possibly hindering his chances of taking home the award.
Phillipe Coutinho:
A very controversial nominee for most, Coutinho has arguably been Liverpool’s best player since their rough start ended. With 4 goals and 4 assists to his name, his stats have been very underwhelming compared to the other names up for the award but his influence on the current Liverpool team is overlooked. Coutinho has had his fair share of fantastic performances in recent months but I don’t believe he’s done enough to earn a spot among the nominees, despite impressing many since Liverpool's turn of form. Sergio Aguero, John Terry and even Olivier Giroud can feel hard done by.
Harry Kane:
Every fan, except maybe those who support Arsenal, has enjoyed seeing the emergence of Harry Kane since November. The now capped England striker has 19 goals in the league this season and has been the most talked about English player all year. His tally of goals as failed to fire Tottenham up the table but the 21-year old more than deserves his nomination. For me, he has been the story of the season, not the player of the season. If he can continue his form into next season, another nomination surely lies in Harry Kane’s future.
Winner:
There is one obvious choice for Player of the Year and that is Eden Hazard. Chelsea’s best player this season has been so influential in almost every Premier League game he has played, whether directly contributing to goals or playing a big part in the buildup. Chelsea sit in 1st in large part due to Hazard’s phenomenal ability to take the game by the scruff of its neck and swing it in Chelsea’s favour. Other players may have scored more but Hazard’s impact on Jose Mourinho’s side has been immense and for that, among many other reasons, he should be awarded the PFA Player of the Year.