THERE WERE FEW surprises as today’s PFA Player of the Year shortlist was confirmed, with Leicester dominating this season’s selections.
However, inevitably, there were a few notable absentees.
Consequently, we’ve chosen six players who didn’t make either the senior or young player shortlist, but who are similarly deserving of acclaim.
Check out our choices and let us know if you agree in the comments section below.
1. Toby Alderweireld
Toby Alderweireld has been part of a Tottenham defence that has conceded just 25 goals — comfortably the best record in the Premier League this season. Even with regular centre-back partner Jan Vertonghen out injured for a substantial portion of the season, the 27-year-old Belgian international has routinely stood out as part of Spurs’ impressive backline. After signing for £11.5 million from Atlético Madrid in the summer, he must surely now be considered one of the signings of the season.
2. Sergio Aguero
With key players Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne injured for a significant length of time, there was a greater onus on City’s other stars to step up and take responsibility during this campaign. And unlike certain others, Sergio Aguero has certainly been consistently excellent, scoring 23 goals in all competitions and 18 in the league — as many as Romelu Lukaku and only three less than Jamie Vardy.
3. Robert Huth
While Leicester’s attack rightly took the limelight for their achievements in the first half of the season, their defence has come to the fore of late, as they have secured six clean sheets in their past seven matches. Along with the similarly commanding Wes Morgan, German defender Robert Huth has led the backline superbly, and their 31 goals-against record is bettered only by Tottenham and Man United.
4. Christian Eriksen
In attack for Spurs this season, Harry Kane and Deli Alli have garnered much of the praise, but Christian Eriksen surely deserves plenty of acclaim too. In addition to scoring eight goals in all competitions, the Danish international’s creativity has been vital to a Spurs side that has scored 60 goals — more than any other Premier League team. It’s no surprise therefore that Eriksen ranks fourth in the assists table with 10 — only David Silva, Riyad Mahrez and Mesut Ozil have managed more.
5. Danny Drinkwater
One of the most unheralded players in Leicester’s incredible season, alongside N’Golo Kante, Drinkwater has worked tirelessly in the centre of midfield, justifiably earning an England call-up as a result. In 34 appearances this season, Drinkwater has grown along with his teammates as the season’s progressed. The 26-year-old has been particularly crucial of late, protecting the back four, as they’ve acquired a more defensive style that has seen them earn six clean sheets in their past seven matches, establishing a healthy top-of-the-table lead in the process.
6. Chris Smalling
It’s been a far from vintage year for Man United, but Chris Smalling has been one of the few bright spots in a largely underwhelming season. While the Red Devils’ attack has had its problems and too often looked uninspired, the England international’s consistency at the back has helped them earn the second-best defensive record in the Premier League (30 goals conceded). And if it weren’t for Smalling’s solidity, it seems unlikely that they would still be challenging for an unlikely top-four spot at this late stage in the campaign.
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