The Professional Footballers' Association announced its list of finalists for 2015's award on Thursday, and there are few surprises. Chelsea winger Eden Hazard and Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane lead the way.
Here's the official announcement, along with the full list of nominees, per the PFA's official Twitter feed:
Significantly, four members of this shortlist also appear in the PFA's group of nominees for Young Player of the Year recognition:
So many young stars featuring in the reckoning for both awards is a good reflection of the quality of the Premier League. Proof of the talent level is timely after no club from England's top flight reached the last eight of the UEFA Champions League this campaign.
Hazard's and Kane's places on both lists are understandable considering their stunning form throughout the season, but it's the former who's generating the most positive buzz.
Eurosport.com Pitchside writer Ben Lyttleton rates Hazard as the most deserving winner. He cites the Belgian's impact as both a scorer and a provider: "With 12 league goals and eight assists, the latest of which came in Sunday’s 1-0 win over QPR, Hazard is closing in on the ideal 'double double figure' which is much rarer than you think. Only Wayne Rooney, 17/10, managed it last season."
B/R's Sam Tighe also lends his endorsement for Hazard's chances. Tighe dubs him the "only choice":
Others have been more prolific. Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez has bagged 20 goals in his debut season in England, with 14 coming in the league, per the club's official site.
But the Chilean forward has slumped during most of 2015, according to the Daily Telegraph: "There can also be no denying that Sanchez's form has dipped dramatically since the turn of the year: having scored 18 goals before Jan 12, he has managed just two in 13 games since."
Hazard's place as the focal point in attack for the league leaders probably sees him take home the award ahead of Kane.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2432917-pfa-awards-2015-full-award-nominee-lists-revealed
No comments:
Post a Comment