Is Success Essential? BBC Sports Analysts Select Their Player of the Season

Who will be crowned Premier League Player of the Season?

The official announcement for the Premier League Player of the Season awaits until the end of May, but early indications suggest a competitive field based on the current season’s performances. Arsenal is at the forefront of the title race, with key players like defender Gabriel and midfielder Declan Rice expected to be strong contenders if they clinch the championship.

Additionally, standout performances from players such as Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, alongside less likely frontrunners like Igor Thiago and Antoine Semenyo, are making this season exceptionally intriguing.

BBC Sport investigates potential candidates for this prestigious award while inviting opinions from its reporters. Fans also have the opportunity to cast their votes for their preferred contenders.

Does the accolade typically favor a Premier League champion?

The answer is not straightforward. In recent seasons, from 2020-2021 to 2023-2024, the award has primarily been bestowed upon players from Premier League champions, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah being the most recent winner. However, prior to this era, a relatively even distribution occurred, with 11 players from teams outside the champions receiving the award compared to 10 from the title-winning side.

Leading Contenders for the Award

Arsenal is positioned favorably for the Premier League title this year, with Declan Rice playing a significant role in their campaign. He leads the squad with five assists and is recognized for creating numerous scoring opportunities.

Rice is indeed a strong candidate for the Player of the Season title, but he faces stiff competition from Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, who has contributed significantly with eight goals and 16 assists across 28 matches. Fernandes seems poised to challenge the Premier League record for most assists in a single season, currently standing at 20.

Other significant contenders include Arsenal’s Gabriel, who has been crucial in both defense and contributing goals, notably a late winner against Newcastle. Also in contention is Semenyo, who made a smooth transition to Manchester City after an impactful tenure at Bournemouth, and Brentford’s Igor Thiago, who has also enjoyed a fantastic season.

Opinions from BBC Reporters on Their Picks for Player of the Year

Declan Rice

Phil McNulty, Chief Football Writer
Declan Rice has my vote as the top player of the year due to his consistent high-caliber performances and leadership as Arsenal aims for trophies. His proficiency in set-pieces enhances his already impressive skill set, marking him as a top-tier midfielder and an essential asset for both Arsenal and the England national team.

Declan Rice

Sami Mokbel, Senior Football Correspondent
Rice is integral to Arsenal’s impressive title bid. Whether playing in defense or midfield, he consistently excels. His ultimate impact will depend on the collective success of Arsenal this season, but his individual brilliance has been undeniable.

Bruno Fernandes

Simon Stone, Chief Football News Reporter
Manchester United’s captain, Fernandes, deserves recognition as Player of the Year. His goal-scoring and playmaking abilities are unmatched in the league, with 16 assists this season. His influence on the team’s success cannot be overstated, particularly in a tumultuous season for United.

Antoine Semenyo

Shamoon Hafez, Football Reporter
Semenyo has emerged as a dynamo with 19 goal contributions this season, excelling both at Bournemouth and Manchester City after his January transfer. His notable performances included a strong debut in the FA Cup and his ability to impact games in the Premier League, making him a strong candidate for recognition.

Gabriel

Nizaar Kinsella, Football Reporter
Gabriel has been a cornerstone for Arsenal in their title charge this season. His defensive prowess and offensive contributions highlight his dual threat on the pitch. As a defender, he has remarkably scored three goals and assisted four, demonstrating why he deserves to be in the discussion for Player of the Season.

Igor Thiago

Ciaran Kelly, Football Reporter
Thiago has made an impressive comeback this season, leading Brentford’s quest for European football with his remarkable scoring record. With 19 goals, he’s poised to shatter records for a Brazilian in a single Premier League season, showcasing resilience and skill following a challenging previous season marked by injuries.