The Premier League season will come to an end on Sunday with Manchester City already confirmed as title winners for a third time in four years.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at who has caught the eye during English football’s top flight this term.
Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
While Cancelo has not played the whole season at right-back, he has been a key cog in the wheel for Pep Guardiola’s title winners. Given a license to roam, the Portugal international has often helped City outnumber their rivals in midfield and been a valuable asset at both ends of the pitch.
Wesley Fofana (Leicester)
The young defender has thrived with the Foxes and not let a hefty price tag weigh him down. An injury to Caglar Soyuncu in October opened the door for the France Under-21 international to grab a starting berth and his composure and reading of the game has caught the eye.
Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
BREAKING – Ruben Dias is the Footballer of the Year 2021. The @ManCity and Portugal defender beat Harry Kane and Kevin De Bruyne in our poll of almost 700 FWA members. More here: https://t.co/sQBPdbsAqM #FOTY21 #Dias @rubendias pic.twitter.com/Puv9UCoW4U
— The FWA (@theofficialfwa) May 20, 2021
It is not often a defender wins the Football Writers’ Association’s Footballer of the Year award, but the centre-back helped transform the fortunes of City after a stuttering opening month. A colossal figure in defence, who breeds a positive effect on those around him. The heir to Vincent Kompany’s throne.
Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
One of the Red Devils’ most consistent performers this season and contributed in an attacking sense with five assists and one memorable goal in the league. A trusted lieutenant of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s, who has helped the left-back force his way back into the England fold.
Mason Mount (Chelsea)
Not many at Stamford Bridge have matched Mount in churning out the same high level of displays week after week. An ally for Frank Lampard and equally loved by his successor Thomas Tuchel, the 22-year-old has improved all facets this term to edge towards becoming the complete midfielder.
Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
Tomas Soucek (West Ham)
Arguably the signing of the season following an excellent loan spell in the second half of the last campaign. The Czech midfielder has not only hit double figures in goals but been a warrior in the middle of the park for West Ham who have gone from relegation candidates to European qualification in 12 months.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
The former champions endured a mixed start to the campaign, but an opening-day hat-trick from Salah was a sign of things to come. The Egyptian has maintained his high standards and again netted over 20 times in the division while others have struggled. Where would Liverpool be without him?
Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
While a large share of his goals have been from the penalty spot, more often than not the playmaker has drawn the foul inside the area and been one of the leaders for United this term. A big presence whenever he is on the pitch, there have been plenty of wonder strikes and key contributions in his first full season at Old Trafford.
