After a surprising year in the English Premier League (EPL) with many twists, the nominees for the “Player Of The Year” has been released. No matter whoever wins this award, it would not mean that the other nominees are inferior. All the nominees have worked hard, played superbly the whole season to earn this nomination. Let us have a look at them.
Mesut Ozil - Arsenal
The 27-year-old German international, who had a blistering season at the start, is one of the nominees. The Arsenal playmaker has 18 assists to his name this season which is phenomenal. Ozil has been instrumental in the gunner attack as he has created 123 chances. It is unlikely that he will win this award because off lately, he hasn't been at his best. Yet he is a contender to look out for.
N'Golo Kante - Leicester City
Kante has been very influential in Leicester City's defence and counter attacks. The holding midfielder has created great impact for his club and is one of the main players of his side. For a defensive midfielder, the pass success percentage of 82% is extremely good. The 25-year-old is also a fierce contender for this award.
Dimitri Payet - West Ham
Dimitri Payet is surely the signing of the season for the Hammers. The 29-year-old French midfielder is the best dead ball specialist in the Premier League. His game has shown how versatile he is in the midfield as he has been involved in 23 of his club's goals directly or indirectly. This stat tells us the goals have been taken care of. It wouldn't be a surprise if Payet wins this award even though it looks a little difficult.
Jamie Vardy - Leicester City
This season has been surprising to the fans of football, thanks to the collective effort of Leicester City players and manager. Vardy has been the main man for the Foxes. With 21 goals to his tally and the record for scoring consecutively in 11 matches with six assists and one million signing has worked wonders this season. His performance for the Foxes has earned him his English cap. Ths 29-year-old swashbuckling striker is the red hot favourite to win this award.
Harry Kane - Tottenham Hotspur
The 2015 “Young Player of the Year” has proved his critics wrong this season. He is now the leading scorer in the league with 22 goals. After having a slow start to his season, his comeback has been strong to put himself at the top. Kane's contributions have been essential for Pochettino's Spurs to anchor the 2nd position and bid for the title challenge. The 22-year-old English striker has also been nominated for the young player of the year. He is another favourite to win this award. He will either win the player of the year award or the young player of the year award.
Riyad Mahrez - Leicester City
The 25-year-old Algerian winger had been the greatest impact for the Foxes when it mattered the most. Scoring 16 goals and assisting 11 is something to be highly appreciated. His runs which tore apart the wing and the opposition's defence have caught everyone's eye. He has made the greatest impact to Ranieri's side this season. He is now being wanted by most of the top European clubs. He is one of the favourites along team-mate Vardy and Kane from Spurs to win this award.
By Bhargav Srinivas
