- Norwegian striker out to defend crown
- Club colleagues looking to wrestle it away
- Gunners, Blues & Villa also represented
Getty/GOALErling Haaland in PFA Player of the Year award hunt again – but faces competition from Man City team-mates Phil Foden & Rodri, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard & Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer
WHO ARE THE NOMINEES?
Manchester City are well represented on the six-man shortlist for 2023-24 after claiming a historic fourth successive Premier League title. Haaland landed another Golden Boot, Foden thrived in a playmaking role and Rodri remains a destructive influence in the middle of the park.
Odegaard helped to keep Arsenal in contention for a top-flight crown, before falling narrowly short, and will be determined to right those wrongs heading forward – allowing him to follow in the footsteps of fellow Gunners captains Tony Adams and Patrick Vieira by lifting the most sought-after of trophies.
Elsewhere, Cole Palmer has become a talismanic presence for Chelsea – with a stunning debut campaign at Stamford Bridge enjoyed by the England international – while Ollie Watkins remains a regular source of goals for Aston Villa.
All of the above are in the running for the PFA Player of the Year award – which will be handed out on August 20 at a glitzy ceremony in Manchester - and you can find out more about the six contenders below…
Getty ImagesErling Haaland| Club: Manchester City | Nationality: Norway
The prolific Norwegian may have dipped slightly from 36 Premier League goals to 27 in 2023-24, but he finished with another top-scorer prize to his name and a second title. Arguably the most fearsome No.9 in world football, Haaland can look unplayable when performing at the peak of his powers.
GettyPhil Foden | Club: Manchester City | Nationality: England
A two-time PFA Young Player of the Year who is now looking to land the senior prize. Foden enjoyed a career-best campaign last time out, with 27 goals recorded across all competitions. He is, at 24 years of age, the youngest player to win six Premier League titles and is also a key part of England’s long-term plans.
GettyMartin Odegaard | Club: Arsenal | Nationality: Norway
The Gunners skipper has been recognised by his peers with back-to-back PFA Player of the Year nods. The classy midfielder makes Mikel Arteta’s side tick with his ability to pick a pass and unlock opposition defences, with eight goals and 10 assists added to his tally in 2023-24.
GettyCole Palmer | Club: Chelsea | Nationality: England
Chelsea playmaker Palmer is looking to land a PFA double, as he is also in the running for the Young Player of the Year prize. It should come as no surprise to see the 22-year-old dominating award shortlists as he posted 22 goals and 11 assists during his first season at Stamford Bridge.
Getty ImagesRodri| Club: Manchester City| Nationality: Spain
Has added European Championship honours to his enviable medal collection after helping Spain to ultimate glory at Euro 2024. Rodri is now an on-field leader for club and country, with Pep Guardiola fully aware of his value to the City cause after seeing results dip whenever he is unavailable.
GettyOllie Watkins | Club: Aston Villa | Nationality: England
The Villans striker is now part of the Premier League elite and fell just one effort short of reaching the fabled 20-goal mark in top-flight competition last season. He did, however, fire Unai Emery’s side to a top-four finish and Champions League qualification – while recording 13 assists – and is an established part of the England squad.