6 Premier League players who may feel aggrieved by being snubbed from the Player of the Year shortlist

Mohamed Salah

It feels strange that Mohamed Salah is even in this conversation, considering the numbers he has produced so far this season. Yes, he hasn’t been at his 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 three players to produce double figures in goals and assists this season, with Ollie Watkins and Anthony Gordon being the other two. Salah has already won the award twice, most recently during the 2021/22 season.

Gabriel

Arsenal have the best defensive record in the Premier League this season, so it is harsh that there are no Gunners defenders among the nominees. An argument can be made for Ben White, William Saliba and David Raya making this list, but Gabriel is the one who gets the nod.

After not starting any of their first three games, a period in which they conceded four goals, Gabriel was called up for their match against Manchester United and hasn’t looked back since. The Brazilian has started 32 of his last 33 league games, scoring four important goals.

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

Rodri

Unbeaten in his last 66 top-flight games, Rodri is the absolute record holder for consecutive games without defeat in the Premier League. City have lost the three games that Rodri has not played this season due to suspension and his impact is fundamental.

Despite this, the 27-year-old has not been nominated for the Player of the Year award. He is a surprise, especially since he has accumulated the most accurate passes, the most tackles in the final third and has contributed seven goals and nine assists. Not bad for a defensive midfielder.

Bukayo Saka

Like Salah, Bukayo Saka doesn’t look like he has been at his best this season. But if we break it down, he has enjoyed a good campaign with 16 goals and nine assists in 34 Premier League appearances. The 22-year-old needs one more goal during the last two league games to surpass last season’s tally.

He is Arsenal’s top scorer and has helped spearhead their fight 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 shown signs of improvement last season, Dominic Solanke has taken his game to a whole new level this season and is currently the fifth top scorer in the Premier League. The Bournemouth striker has scored 18 goals in 36 appearances, averaging a goal every 178 minutes.

This is his best top-flight return by far in the country and Solanke is unlucky not to be nominated, especially as he plays in a much weaker team compared to the likes of Haaland and Watkins. Although Solanke is not included, he hopes to be selected for the England squad this summer.

Jarrod Bowen

Although West Ham’s campaign is quickly winding down, Jarrod Bowen can take pride in his performances throughout the season. The former Hull striker has scored 16 goals and six assists in 33 league appearances and is pushing to be part of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad this summer.

In addition to his usual role on the right wing, Bowen has played league games as a centre-forward this season, but that has not reduced his level of performances. The 27-year-old showed exactly what he is capable of in the recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool, recording a goal and an assist.

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