Premier League Player of the Season nominations revealed with Sadio Mane and Ronaldo axed but Ward-Prowse and Bowen IN
PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs have announced an eight-man shortlist for the Player of the Season award - but there's no room for Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.
The pair have scored 33 league goals between them, with Ronaldo scooping the player of the month gong on two occasions.
He has scored 18 league goals in 30 games this season despite Manchester United's struggles but it is not enough to be nominated.
Mane has also enjoyed a return to form but has been overlooked in favour of his Liverpool team-mates Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Two Manchester City players are also shortlisted with just two non big six players featuring - James Ward-Prowse and Jarrod Bowen.
Here are the eight players up for the Premier League Player of the Season award.
Mo Salah
The Egyptian started the season in scintillating form this season and still leads the goalscoring charts alongside Son Heung-min - both have 21 goals.
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Salah has scored brilliant solo goals and been key to Liverpool's title push - his form also saw him pick up the Football Writers' Player of the Year award at the end of April.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
The England right-back continues to impress with his crossing and range of passing, pulling off some audacious assists this year.
He has 12 assists in the Premier League and his defending has also improved following a slight dip last season.
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Kevin De Bruyne
The Manchester City talisman has been named the PFA Players' Player of the Year for the last two seasons.
He was also named Premier League Player of the Season in 2019-20 and has made a run for the award over the last few weeks with a string of impressive performances.
De Bruyne has come to the fore when City most need him with the Belgian scoring four against Wolves on Wednesday in what was arguably the performance of the season.
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Joao Cancelo
A player who often goes under the radar at the Etihad but he has proved to be one of the best defenders in the league this season.
But Cancelo is far more than just a full-back, and his comfort on the right and left flanks is a testament to his ability.
The Portuguese has scored brilliant goals and produced fantastic assists and his consistency has been key to City during a period where injuries have hit the defence hard.
Son Heung-min
Son is another player who does not receive as much as applause as he deserves but he has 21 goals this season - none of which have been from the penalty spot.
He has scored goals in big games and stepped up to the plate while Harry Kane went through a period of bad form.
The South Korean has been amongst the best players in the Prem for several years and would be a worthy winner of this season's award.
Bukayo Saka
The Arsenal star has also been shortlisted for the Young Player of the Season after scoring 11 and assisting six goals this term.
He is one of the most exciting forwards to watch and has improved his game in terms of goal contributions this season, leading to transfer interest from Liverpool and City.
James Ward-Prowse
The Southampton captain has been vital for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side and enjoyed his best goalscoring season to date with nine goals.
He has been linked with a move to United as a result and could win the goal of the season award for his 30-yard free-kick at Wolves.
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Jarrod Bowen
Along with Salah, Jarrod Bowen is one of only two players to register more than ten goals and ten assists this season.
He has fired West Ham to countless points and many Hammers fans believe the winger deserves an England call up in recognition of his performances this campaign.