Manchester City and Arsenal led the nominations for Premier League player of the season with two players each… as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer also makes the shortlist

The Premier League have unveiled their eight-man list of nominations for their player of the season – with Man City and Arsenal dominating the names involved. 

After an enthralling campaign, City and Arsenal are going head to head for the Premier League crown, and their players are also competing for the coveted individual award for best player. 

There’s no surprise that Cole Palmer is included in the list after his incredible goalscoring season that has seen him net 21 times, but he is facing stiff competition from a selection of top players who are in the hunt for the prize. 

Erling Haaland claimed the award last season – as well as young player of the season – after finishing the 22-23 campaign as the top scorer with 36 goals from 35 games, and he’s continued in that strong vein of ruthlessness in front of goal with another 25 strikes in this campaign.

That’s been more than enough to earn him inclusion on this year’s shortlist – with his Man City team-mate Phil Foden joining him. 

Manchester City and Arsenal players have dominated this year’s nominees for Premier League player of the season

Cole Palmer also makes the cut after his superb season that has seen him score 21 goals

The 23-year-old England star is enjoying the best season of his career so far after netting 16 times in the Premier League and providing eight assists – emerging as one of City’s most reliable players under Pep Guardiola.

For rivals Arsenal, the two players included are Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.

Odegaard, the Gunners captain, has quickly become one of the best playmakers in the league alongside Kevin de Bruyne and his eight goals and eight assists have been pivotal for Arsenal in boosting their title charge. 

Likewise, Rice’s combative displays in midfield have been essential for Mikel Arteta, with the England star perhaps exceeding expectations following his £100m move to the Emirates with seven goals and eight assists – having started all but one of Arsenal’s games this season.

Outside of the top two teams features a sole nominee from Liverpool and the only defender in this list – Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch defender has been a rock for the Reds by starting 34 out of 36 games despite the team’s injury crisis, keeping eight clean sheets and making 39 tackles, 36 interceptions and 135 clearances. 

The final two names on the list are Newcastle forward Alexander Isak – who has blown fans away with 20 Premier League goals – and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, also enjoying his best campaign with 19 strikes. 

More to follow.