Who could win the 2021 PFA Player of the Year? - Dias, Fernandes, Kane, De Bruyne and more
- Jack Fealy
- 5 June 2021
The PFA Player of the Year is one of a small handful of awards a player can win at the end of the season. In an unpredictable 2020/21 campaign who will walk off with the top prize?
The curtain has fallen on what can only be described as one of the strangest seasons in the history of the Premier League.
Planet Sport highlights this year's star performers who may be crowned the Player of the Year on Sunday June 6th.
Bruno Fernandes
It's no surprise that Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes is a member of the bookies' list for the Premier League Player of the Year.
The Portuguese playmaker is in second place on the assists chart with 12, as well as scoring an outstanding 18 goals. Fernandes's contribution has pushed Man United into a secure Champions League spot.
However, the Red Devils had a tough couple of games to end their season, losing 4-2 to Liverpool, and 2-1 to Leicester City.
Failing to perform in these games may have sealed Fernandes's fate, and someone else could claim the crown.
Ilkay Gundogan
Gundogan has certainly been one of City's players of the season. Scoring 13 times and assisting twice, the midfielder has played a key role in City's title winning season.
Ilkay Gundogan double delivers record-extending 16th straight win for Man City
Although the German international has had a blinding season, the bookies don't believe the midfielder has done enough to secure a favourite position in the race for Player of the Year.
Ruben Dias
Dias has been an unstoppable force at the back for City this season; and after Virgil Van Dijk's PFA Player of the Year win in 2019, what's to stop Dias from doing the same?
Ruben Dias has made a big impression since joining City
In his first season in the blue half of Manchester, the defender has kept an amazing 16 clean sheets and has become a key player in Pep Guardiola's fifth season at City.
Dias also became this year's FWA Player of the Year which may shorten his odds at the bookies. He is currently the second favourite, however his recent personal achievement may bump him up to top spot.
Kevin De Bruyne
Our third City player on the list and perhaps the most obvious and the favourite of the trio so far.
De Bruyne will be looking to retain his PFA Player of the Year award from the 2019/20 season, as he secures another Premier League title in Manchester.
Kevin De Bruyne embraces Manchester City teammate Joao Cancelo
However, De Bruyne's season has been riddled with injuries, but he has shown his class in the matches he has played. The midfielder has acheived 12 assists this season, as well as scoring six times.
In January, the Belgian made goal contributions four times in four games, before being ruled out of action with a hamstring injury. Since coming back, he has won six out of seven games for City, contributing three times.
Although the Belgian is the favourite to reclaim his PFA title, musclular problems had ruled the midfielder out for a number of fixtures, which may damage his chance of retaining his title.
Harry Kane
Kane has been the main provider of goals and assists this season for Spurs, with 23 and 14 respectively. Although Spurs' form has slipped since they were top of the league in November, Kane has continued to perform admirably.
Harry Kane shoots against Burnley
However, after losses to Arsenal, Manchester United, and Aston Villa, placing his side in seventh, Kane's contributions were not enough to push Spurs backup the table. He may not have done enough to nudge him closer to the PFA Player of the Year crown.
Phil Foden
This young Englishman is a star for the future, and it's inspiring to see him already on the list of PFA Player of the Year nominees.
Foden has been crucial to Man City's success this season. The 20-year-old has scored nine goals and five assists this season.
Phil Foden brimming with confidence after seizing his chance once again
As well as all the other Man City players on this list, Foden has contributed to Man City's title success, pushing him towards personal glory. Although it is more likely that he will scoop the Young Player Award than the main one this season...you never know.
