...and here’s how highly Rio rates City’s talisman

PL PLAYER OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS: Rio Ferdinand

MANCHESTER United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Jamie Vardy should be considered for the Premier League player of the year award.

Vardy is the league’s leading scorer with 17 goals, the Leicester City talisman sitting above the likes of Sergio Aguero, Mo Salah and Marcus Rashford in the scoring charts.

Given Liverpool’s superiority this season, though, many are expecting defender Virgil van Dijk to be crowned player of the year,.

The former United defender said: “I think he (Van Dijk) is undoubtedly the best defender in the world, the best centre-back in the world now.

“He’d get my vote for best defender, best centre-half, but he wouldn’t get my vote for player of the year. I think there’s a few other people probably vying for that accolade.

“But he has been tremendous. I think he’s a fantastic footballer. Calm, cool, collected, strong, quick. All the attributes you’d want in a modern day player.

“And he carries himself very well - I love the way he carries himself.”

Asked who he would pick for player of the year, Ferdinand responded: “I think Jordan Henderson has been very good.

“I think Mane has been my favourite player when I watch Liverpool, if I’m honest.

“When I watch Liverpool he’s the person who gets me off my seat more than anyone. He’d definitely be up there.

“Vardy’s been good, scoring those goals.

“Kevin De Bruyne – when you watch him he just purrs. So there’s a few names there.”