STARSPORT’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS...

PHIL FODEN

The 23-year-old left-footed genius is enjoying a breakout season in terms of taking on the mantle of Manchester City’s most influential star. He was the attacking player who stepped up when Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne were injured. Now they are back, he continues to impact the outcome of games from either wing or in his favoured position as a No.10.

RODRI

If you believe defence wins titles, then look no further than the Spaniard (left) who locks down opposition attacks at source, suffocating any transition opportunities and keeping Man City on the front foot. His must be the happiest house in the Premier League as the guy has not lost a top-flight game since last February.

VIRGIL VAN DIJK

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah have been outstanding for Liverpool this season but injuries have diluted their case for personal honours and skipper Van Dijk has been the one to hold things together. The Dutch centre-half is back to his best. A defensive powerhouse who has also weighed in with some huge goals.

WILLIAM SALIBA

It is possible Bukayo Saka will be a more deserving nomination if he continues his scoring run. But Arsenal’s strong start to the season was built around Saliba (left) and his speed and dominance as a one-on-one defender which allowed them to suffocate the life out of rivals, conceding the fewest goals and chances of any Premier League team.

OLLIE WATKINS

No player in the Prem has more goal contributions than the Aston Villa striker. He is the only top-flight player to have double figures in goals and assists. He has the joint most winning goals, alongside Haaland and Darwin Nunez – but key for me is his league-high nine goals away from Villa Park.