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The Premier League Player of the Season Award is an association football award handed out to honour the most outstanding player over the course of a season. The panel that chooses the winner is made up of members from football's governing bodies, media and fans.
Ruben Dias won the Premier League Player of the Season Award last term
Only three players have won the Premier League Player of the Season Award twice. They are Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic. The 2020-21 edition of the award was won by Manchester City centre-back Ruben Dias for the profound impact he had at the club after joining them in 2020.
His performances helped City win the Premier League title for the third time in four years and also reach the final of the UEFA Champions League.
The way things have been going so far in the 2021-22 season, there's no predicting who is going to win the Premier League title. But here we will be taking a look at five of the favourites to win the Premier League Player of the Season Award.
#5 Reece James (Chelsea)
Chelsea's marauding right-back Reece James is only 21-years-old but he is already one of the best in the business at his position. The Englishman is adept at bombing forwards and whipping crosses into the box as he is at dispensing his defensive duties.
James is a pacy full-back who works hard on the pitch. He has been in great form for the Blues this season and has nailed down the right-back position in the starting lineup. He showed a lot of promise last term but the final product was a bit lacking.
He scored a goal and provided two assists in 32 appearances across all terms for Thomas Tuchel's men in the 2020-21 season. James has already improved that tally and has been one of Chelsea's best players so far this term. He has scored four goals and provided four assists in 11 Premier League appearances this season.
#4 Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
Joao Cancelo has been one of Manchester City's best players so far this season. His pace, dribbling skills and ability to whip in crosses have all looked world-class. But what's even more impressive is the fact that Cancelo has been playing some of the best football of his career away from his preferred position.
The Portuguese international is primarily a right-back. But he has largely been used at left-back this term. But thanks to the 27-year-old's technical adeptness and ability to use both feet, he hasn't had any problems adapting to the new role.
Cancelo has been a creative force for Manchester City this season. He is yet to score a goal but has provided three assists in 15 Premier League appearances so far this term. Those numbers might not seem extraordinary but Cancelo has played almost as a creative midfielder at times for City and the impact he has had has been massive.
#3 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Cristiano Ronaldo's role at Manchester United has become the subject of much discussion of late. The 36-year-old's lack of pressing has regularly been brought up as one of the things that's bogging down this Manchester United side.
But the sheer number of games Cristiano Ronaldo has already won for Manchester United across all competitions cannot be overlooked. The brace against Arsenal last Thursday was a solid response from the veteran striker.
Ronaldo's technical artistry and physical capabilities have helped Manchester United avoid disaster on multiple fronts this term. The Portuguese international has scored six goals and provided two assists in 11 Premier League appearances so far.
If Ronaldo continues to be the main striker for the Red Devils under Ralf Rangnick, his Premier League goal tally will easily cross the 20s.
#2 Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Bernardo Silva had fallen down the pecking order at Manchester City during the 2020-21 season. He was even linked with an exit in the 2021 January transfer window. Fast forward to December 2021 and Bernardo Silva is Manchester City's best player.
The 27-year-old has been absolutely brilliant and he has played in a variety of roles across midfield and the frontline. Silva's close control, tactical intelligence and incredible technical ability, which enable him to pull off the audacious, set him apart from the rest.
But more than anything, it is Silva's sharpness in front of goal that has been really surprising this term. The Portuguese international has scored seven goals and provided one assist in 14 Premier League appearances so far. Manchester City are now at the top of the Premier League table.
If Silva kicks on like this, it could be City's name on the title again and Silva will be a frontrunner in the race for the Premier League Player of the Season Award.
#1 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
As things stand, beating Mohamed Salah to the Premier League Player of the Season looks nearly impossible. The Egyptian international has simply been a class apart this term and is one of the most in-form players in the world right now.
Salah has become a lethal presence on the right wing. The 29-year-old has scored several spectacular goals already this season. He has been extremely consistent as well and has either scored or assisted in 18 of his last 20 appearances across all competitions.
Salah is by far the favorite to win the Premier League Player of the Season Award. He has already scored a whopping 13 goals and provided nine assists in 15 appearances in the Premier League for Liverpool this term.
