WHO IS TOP DOG? OUR EXPERTS PICK THEIR FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR WINNER

JAMIE REDKNAPP

De Bruyne has been driving Manchester City towards the title since the first day of the season. His footballing brain is second to none and he makes the game look so easy. 1. DE BRUYNE 2. SALAH 3. KANE

CHRIS SUTTON

Salah is the vital cog in a Liverpool front line which strikes fear across Europe. it’s not just his incredible volume of goals but his assists and influence in a brilliant team. 1. SALAH 2. DE BRUYNE 3. EDERSON

IAN LADYMAN

Salah edges De Bruyne as he is playing for a weaker team and it’s his first Anfield season. He has been astonishing. 1. SALAH 2. DE BRUYNE 3. SON

IAN HERBERT

All-round, De Bruyne is a class apart. Sterling edges out David Silva. He’s less consistent but has won City more points single-handedly. 1. DE BRUYNE 2. SALAH 3. STERLING

MATT LAWTON

Mo Salah is one of those footballers i just love watching. Poise, skill, athleticism and a great attitude. The challenge for Liverpool will be keeping hold of him. 1. SALAH 2. DE BRUYNE 3. KANE

MATT BARLOW

Kane’s relentless strike rate (35 goals in 40 games) has put Tottenham on course for the top four without a home ground. 1. KANE 2. SALAH 3. DE BRUYNE

VOTING opened yesterday for the Football Writers’ Association award for the Footballer of the Year. Only one vote is allowed for members, but we asked our team to name their 1-2-3. De Bruyne and Salah are out in front, others mentioned include Harry Kane (Tottenham), Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, David Silva and Ederson (all Manchester City). Last year’s recipient was Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante.

SAMI MOKBEL

De Bruyne has been majestic, but Salah’s impact since he returned to England has been phenomenal. Goals and assists. Electrifying. 1. SALAH 2. DE BRUYNE 3. STERLING

DOMINIC KING

Salah has been directly involved in 46 goals this season. The majesty of his play and his numbers mean this most remarkable season cannot fail to be rewarded. 1. SALAH 2. DE BRUYNE 3. SILVA

CRAIG HOPE

Nothing between the front two, but Salah’s sensational debut season at Liverpool edges it on account of how exciting and enjoyable he is to watch. 1. SALAH 2. DE BRUYNE 3. KANE

JACK GAUGHAN

Silva would ordinarily win it for me but the other two are on another level. De Bruyne is playing a different game while Salah’s goalscoring record is something else. 1. DE BRUYNE 2. SALAH 3. SILVA

ADAM CRAFTON

De Bruyne is the most complete footballer in the division: drive, bite, pace and vision. Salah’s goalscoring is relentless and Sane is the player I’d pay to watch every week. 1. DE BRUYNE 2. SALAH 3. SANE

KIERAN GILL

Salah is doing astounding things but De Bruyne is the orchestator in one of the best Premier League teams we have seen. He wins it for me. 1. DE BRUYNE 2. SALAH. 3. KANE

CHRIS WHEELER

There are a few candidates for second and third place, but De Bruyne has first tied up. A wonderful player having an extraordinary season. 1. DE BRUYNE 2. SALAH 3. KANE

MIKE KEEGAN

De Bruyne has provided more assists than anyone in the Premier League and expertly conducts the unstoppable rhapsody in blue every week. 1. DE BRUYNE 2. SALAH 3. SILVA LAURIE WHITWELL Salah just edges it at present for his wondrous solo ability and phenomenal scoring record. De Bruyne’s magic is more in tandem with team-mates. 1. SALAH 2. DE BRUYNE 3. KANE

LEE CLAYTON

De Bruyne could get into any team in any era. He makes the ball dance to his tune. An unselfish team player and creator-inchief of the best team in the league. Look at his chances created stats (above). 1. DE BRUYNE. 2. SALAH. 3. KANE