A couple of surprises today with the release of the shortlist for the prestigious Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year award.
The short-list includes no defenders or goalkeepers, and no representation from champions Manchester City, the biggest surprise is the absence of Swansea forward Michu, who many believe to be the signing of the season.
Instead the list contains Man United’s Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie, Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, Spurs forward Gareth Bale and Chelsea duo Eden Hazard and Juan Mata.
Considering that the list was put together in late February, I cannot understand why Michu was omitted. Over the whole season, Luis Suarez probably should win it. But with the number of incidents that Suarez had been involved in, I expect Bale to get the award.
PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
The Professional Footballers’ Association has confirmed the six nominations for the prestigious Player of the Year award, which will be announced in London on April 28. Below are the nominees, with an individual assessment from PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor.
GARETH BALE (Tottenham) Age: 23. Appearances: 38. Goals: 22.
Gareth Bale is a brilliant player. He just lights up the pitch. I am not surprised some of the world’s leading clubs may be knocking on the door but I hope he stays here. His pace, acceleration, crossing ability and goals are excellent. I just wish he was English.
MICHAEL CARRICK (Manchester United) Age: 31. Appearances: 42. Goals: 2.
Michael has almost been under the radar. You forget he has won four titles and lots of other trophies. It is really good to see a player like him get recognised. He is a players’ player. He doesn’t make big headlines but he is highly regarded by his fellow professionals.
EDEN HAZARD (Chelsea). Age: 22. Appearances: 56. Goals: 12.
It is interesting that Belgium were in the doldrums for some time and now they have a number of players coming through. Eden is in the best mould of the Barcelona-type midfielders. He has a good reputation and is top quality.
JUAN MATA (Chelsea) Age: 24. Appearances: 55. Goals: 18.
Mata has been a lynchpin in that Chelsea side.. He is a top-class player, in the finest traditions of current Spanish midfielders, not massive in stature but has good balance, technique, passing ability, awareness, to get goals and make them.
LUIS SUAREZ (Liverpool) Age: 26. Appearances: 46. Goals 29.
It would be naive to think controversy won’t continue to travel with him but this is a footballing award. Sometimes the intensity that causes a problem also makes sure they win. It is not always possible to put old heads on young shoulders. His football ability shines through.
ROBIN VAN PERSIE (Manchester United) Age: 29. Appearances: 43. Goals: 25.
Robin is one of the finest strikers in the world. He was a crucial signing for Manchester United. He has been the icing on the cake in what looks like the Premier League-title-winning team. I have been very impressed by him as a person as well as a player.
