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Premier League’s 2018/19 season got underway last weekend, and there will be obvious competition for the top-four spots as we go further this season.
However, there will be competition amongst individuals too, and here I opine five players who could walk away with the PFA Player of the Season Award at the end of the current Premier League campaign.
#5 Alexis Sanchez (Manchester United)
The former Arsenal player, Alexis Sanchez would be keen to revive his form after a rather subdued start to his career at Manchester United.
Sanchez was inconsistent in the first six months of his time at United, though it is somewhat understandable as the Chilean was taking time to adapt to the new surroundings and different style of play as compared to Arsenal.
He delivered commendable performances in certain big matches, notably against Manchester City and also Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup semis in April. There is no doubt about his quality, and Sanchez was in good form during the preseason, as he scored goals against AC Milan and Real Madrid.
United, who failed to strengthen their squad in the summer, will depend on Sanchez to deliver consistently if they are to win the Premier League title.
If the 29-year-old is able to replicate his goal-scoring form from his Arsenal days, then the Football Association might as well take notice of him too!
#4 Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Chelsea managed to keep hold of their Belgian star
Chelsea were deemed to struggle post the sacking of Antonio Conte, but the club have made some rapid strides to ensure that they undergo a smooth transition.
They were swift in the transfer market, and added excellent players in the squad, thereby upgrading the overall quality of the probable playing XI too. Maurizio Sarri’s free-flowing brand of football would provide greater creative freedom to Eden Hazard.
The Belgian will play in a free role from the left flank, where he would be tasked with moving around the attacking line and creating havoc in the opposition’s backline with his clever movements and tremendous dribbling technique.
Hazard was previously crowned the PFA Player of the Year in 2014/15, and if he continues his sumptuous form, there is every chance that he could claim the award once again this time around.
Moreover, Sarri’s style of football would suit him better than Antonio Conte’s somewhat rigid approach towards the end of his tenure at Chelsea.
#3 Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
Manchester City’s Belgian star, Kevin de Bruyne endured a stupendous season last time around as he scored eight goals and registered 16 assists in City’s title-winning campaign.
Moreover, he was crowned as the inaugural PFA Playmaker of the Season, losing out on the ‘Player of the Season’ award to Mohamed Salah. His astute passing range, vision and the ability to run proceedings from the midfield are central to City’s functioning on the field.
De Bruyne is pivotal to Manchester City’s setup, and he is someone whom Pep Guardiola banks upon to deliver during important matches.
The former Chelsea player is an exceptional talent, and the consistency in his overall play is something that sets him apart from his peers.
Owing to his tendency to regularly perform at a good level, one could expect De Bruyne to lead City’s charge for a title defence.
However, the knee injury that he suffered in training could hamper his chances of winning the award, as De Bruyne looks set to miss two months of first-team action.
#2 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah is the current holder of the ‘PFA Player of the Year’ title, and he has shown that he possesses the mettle and talent to retain it this time around too. Salah scored a whopping 32 goals and recorded 10 assists to be honored with the award last time around.
Salah has started this season brilliantly too, as he opened the scoring for Liverpool in their first match against West Ham United. He looks to have picked up from where he left off last season, as Salah’s tremendous form was one of the major highlights of the previous Premier League campaign.
The Egyptian’s pace, dribbling, skills and technique on the ball, coupled with his balance when hounded upon by defenders and composure in front of the goal are praiseworthy.
Liverpool have shown ambition by investing in the weaker areas of their squad in the transfer market, and if they mount a title challenge, then Salah could be banked upon to retain his award.
#1 Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
Without a shred of doubt, Harry Kane has been the best forward in the Premier League over the past few years. Having started as a mediocre striker, Kane has developed into arguably the best number 9 in European football currently.
Kane tries to keep his game simple, as he is more of a poacher and relies on creative players behind him to create goal-scoring opportunities for him.
However, it is his instinctive finishing ability and the tendency to consistently perform for Tottenham that has helped him rise a notch above his peers.
Kane thrives on goals and he can finish off chances from tight angles, long-range, cramped spaces inside the box and is quite dominant on the air too.
He scored 29 goals for Tottenham last season, and with talented playmakers like Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli playing behind him, one would expect Kane to better his own goal-scoring record this season. It is about time that he receives the coveted award from the PFA.
