Kevin De Bruyne and Sam Kerr head PFA player of the year award shortlists
The shortlists for the Professional Footballers’ Association 2022 awards have been announced, with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne in the running to win the men’s player of the year prize for a third consecutive season.
The Belgian is joined on the sixman list by the Liverpool trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané and Virgil van Dijk, and Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo. Harry Kane is included, but his Tottenham teammate Son Heung-min misses out despite sharing the Premier League golden boot with Salah.
Chelsea forwards Sam Kerr and Pernille Harder head the women’s player of the year shortlist after helping Emma Hayes’ side win a league and Cup double. City are represented by Lauren Hemp, who won the young player award last season, and defender Alex Greenwood. The Arsenal attacking duo of Vivianne Miedema and Kim Little complete the six-woman shortlist.
The men’s young player of the year award has an all-English shortlist, with City’s Phil Foden aiming to retain his crown from last year. The other nominees include Arsenal pair Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe, Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey and Chelsea full-back Reece James. Midfielder Conor Gallagher, who spent the season on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea, is also nominated.
The women’s young player shortlist is led by Hemp, a three-time winner of the award in the past. Chelsea forward Lauren James – the sister of Reece – is also nominated along with Arsenal’s Frida Maanum, Tottenham striker Jessica Naz, Manchester United forward Ella Toone and Brighton defender Maya Le Tissier.
The winners will be announced at a virtual ceremony on 9 June, along with men’s and women’s lifetime achievement prizes. Teams of the season for the Premier League, Women’s Super League, Championship, League One and League Two will also be revealed.