The PFA have revealed their shortlist for the men's player of the year award and it makes for genuinely interesting reading. Declan Rice, Gabriel, and David Raya are all nominated, which tells you everything you need to know about how good Arsenal have been this season. Three players from the same club on the same shortlist is not something you see every day, and it is a proper nod to the collective brilliance Mikel Arteta has built at the Emirates.
Declan Rice has been absolutely everywhere this season. The man covers more ground than a Royal Mail van and still has the energy to play key passes and score important goals. If he wins it, nobody could really argue. Gabriel at the back has been a colossus, the kind of commanding centre-back who makes opposition strikers want to stay on the bus, and Raya has quietly become one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Three very deserving nominations.
Then there is Bruno Fernandes, which as a Manchester United fan is slightly awkward to acknowledge, but fair is fair. Bruno has kept dragging United through a season that has tested the patience of absolutely everyone involved. He has been the one consistent bright spot in what has otherwise been a fairly grim campaign, and his numbers back that up. Credit where it is due, even if it hurts a little.
Erling Haaland is on the list too, which is almost becoming a habit at this point. The man scores goals the way most people breathe — automatically and without really thinking about it. He is always going to be in contention for every individual award going as long as he is playing in England.
Rayan Cherki rounds out the shortlist and his inclusion feels like the wildcard pick that could genuinely surprise people. He has been electric at times and represents the kind of exciting young talent that makes the Premier League so watchable.
It is a strong list overall. Rice probably has the edge based on the complete nature of his performances, but Haaland will never be written off and Bruno has the sympathy vote locked down for carrying United almost single-handedly.
Let me know your thoughts.