Top candidates for Premier League Player of the Year

The Premier League Player of the Season is one of the most prestigious individual award given to the most outstanding player in the Premier League each season.

Mohamed Salah claimed the award after scoring a record-breaking 32 goals last season but has suffered for form and consistency this season. A new winner is on the cards and hence it looks like Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to hold the record of being the only player to win the award in consecutive years (2007 and 2008).

With defending champions Manchester City back at the top of the table, they have returned to their scintillating best over the last few weeks and it is not surprising to see Pep Guardiola's men dominate the list.

The list is dominated by Manchester City players

It was an unusual start to the season as there were no particular standout performers at the halfway stage. But things began to change since then as top individual performers elevated themselves above the rest as we approach the business end of the season.

As the Premier League season reaches its final days, it is time to take a look at the leading candidates for the top individual award:

#6. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

One of the most talented players in the Premier League, Eden Hazard has to be up there with the best, irrespective of Chelsea's average season. After all, he is the reason Chelsea are still fighting for a place in the top four which just shows the importance and influence of the Belgian forward.

With 13 goals and 11 assists to his name so far, he is having his most productive season in the Premier League since his arrival in 2014 and is the only player alongside Lionel Messi to register double digits in goals scored and created. He may not have been as consistent as players higher in this list but Hazard has been absolutely astounding early this season.

#5. Fernandinho (Manchester City)

The first Manchester City player in this list. We all know that this City squad is filled with superstars, but if Fernandinho does not play, they do not play like superstars. He has definitely been a standout performer for the Citizens.

Fernandinho may not have the goals and assists to back him up but he offers much more than that - stability. He may not have the star power of Kevin De Bruyne or David Silva but that does not take anything away from the Brazilian. At 33, he is in the twilight of his career and is so important to the club that Pep Guardiola has gone on to reveal that finding a long-term replacement for the defensive midfielder is crucial to the club's success in the future.

#4. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

With Kevin De Bruyne being ruled out for the majority of the campaign due to a knee injury, Bernardo Silva stepped up and has made sure that the Belgian's absence was barely noticed. If Manchester City do go on to win the league, Bernardo Silva may go down as the unsung hero. Struggling for minutes last season as he was often relegated to the bench, the young Portuguese has taken the Premier League by storm this season.

The Portuguese star is regarded by many as the heir to David Silva, as they possess the same qualities, same style, same left foot, and even the same height. For Pep he is the perfect player and is a gem in this City squad.

#3. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

Manchester City's all-time record goalscorer may be regarded as one of the most consistent strikers in the history of the Premier League. There was never any doubt about Sergio Aguero's talent but it was always the injuries that have hindered him from personal accolades. This season he has managed to stay fit and is firing on all cylinders.

Now in his eighth season for Manchester City, Aguero is on course to break the 20-goal barrier in the Premier League for the sixth time.

#2. Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)

The final Manchester City player in the list and definitely the most influential one. Raheem Sterling has been the most improved player in the world since the arrival of Pep Guardiola. There is no attacking player more exciting than Sterling in the Premier League right now. Highly influential with his pace, technique, and finishing, Sterling is on course to top his haul of 23 goals and 17 assists last season.

Once awarded the Golden Boy in 2014, Sterling is now on track to win the Premier League Player of the Year if he continues to stay in form and guide City to another Premier League title but a certain Liverpool defender stands in his way.

#1. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Bought for £75m in 2018, Virgil van Dijk seems to be an absolute bargain. He has barely put a foot wrong at the heart of the defence for Liverpool. The most consistent player for the Reds, Liverpool are an entirely different side when Van Dijk is in defence. He gives Liverpool a sense of security and also improves the performances of his defensive teammates, something that very few players are able to offer at the back.

No defender has won the Player of the Year in England since former Liverpool full-back Steve Nicol in 1989 and Van Dijk is on course to end that long wait. If Liverpool do manage to end their 29-year wait for the league title this season, no player will have made a bigger contribution than the Dutchman and would be regarded as one of the buys of the century.