6 PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYERS WHO CAN FEEL AGGRIEVED AT PLAYER OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST SNUB

The Premier League has unveiled its eight nominees for the Player of the Year award.

Arsenal and Manchester City each have two candidates in the form of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. The remaining nominees are Newcastle's Alexander Isak, Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.

However, there are a number of players who have not been nominated and can feel aggrieved after missing out on the eight-man shortlist. They include the likes of Bukayo Saka and Rodri.

Here, Mirror Football have taken a look at six players who could have easily been shortlisted for the Player of the Year prize, having enjoyed successful seasons for their respective clubs.

Mohamed Salah

It does feel strange that Mohamed Salah is even in this conversation, considering the numbers he has produced so far this season. Yes, he has not been at his flying best for Liverpool in recent months, but the Egyptian has still produced 18 goals and 10 assists in just 30 league appearances.

He is one of just three players that have produced double figures for goals and assists this term, with Ollie Watkins and Anthony Gordon the other two. Salah has previously won the award twice, with the most recent coming during the 2021/22 season.

Gabriel

Arsenal have the best defensive record in the Premier League this season, so it does feel harsh that there are no defenders from the Gunners among the nominees. There is an argument to be made for Ben White, William Saliba and David Raya to make this list, but Gabriel is the one that gets the nod.

After not starting any of their first three matches - a period which saw them concede four goals - Gabriel was recalled for their game against Manchester United and he has not looked back ever since. The Brazilian has started in 32 of their last 33 league matches, scoring four important goals.

He has been part of an Arsenal team that has conceded just 28 goals in the Premier League, with the Gunners keeping a league-high 17 clean sheets thus far.

Rodri

Unbeaten in his last 66 top-flight matches, Rodri is the outright record holder for the amount of consecutive appearances without defeat in the Premier League. City have lost the three games Rodri has not featured in this season due to suspension and his impact is pivotal.

Despite this, the 27-year-old has not been nominated for the Player of the Year prize. It's a shock, especially as he has accumulated the most accurate passes, most final third entries and has chipped in with seven goals and nine assists. Not bad for a defensive midfielder.

Bukayo Saka

Like Salah, it does not feel like Bukayo Saka has been at his best this season. But when you break it down, he has enjoyed a fine campaign with 16 goals and nine assists in 34 Premier League appearances. The 22-year-old needs one more goal contribution during the final two league matches to beat last season's tally.

He is Arsenal's top scorer and has helped spearhead their push for the Premier League title. The England international, who was nominated for the award last season, has been left out this time with Odegaard and Rice the two Gunners representatives on the shortlist.

Dominic Solanke

Having showed signs of improvement last season, Dominic Solanke has taken his game to a whole new level this season and is currently the joint-fifth top scorer in the Premier League. The Bournemouth forward has fired home 18 goals in 36 appearances, averaging a goal every 178 minutes.

That is his best top-flight return by a country mile and Solanke is unfortunate not to get nominated, especially as he is playing in a much weaker team compared to likes of Haaland and Watkins. Although Solanke is not included, he will be hoping he is chosen for the England squad this summer.

Jarrod Bowen

Although West Ham's campaign is petering out fast, Jarrod Bowen can hold some pride for his performances across the season. The former Hull forward has notched 16 goals and six assists in 33 league appearances and he is pushing to make Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad this summer.

As well as his usual right wing berth Bowen has played league matches at centre forward this season but that has had no reduction on his level of performances. The 27-year-old showed exactly what he is capable of in the recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool, grabbing a goal and an assist.

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2024-05-09T13:41:17Z dg43tfdfdgfd