The Football Writers' Association Player of the Year award is about to be announced this Friday. It's one of football's most prestigious individual honors, dating all the way back to 1948. Last year, Manchester City's Phil Foden took home the prize, while Liverpool's Mohamed Salah won it in 2022 and 2018.
Several Premier League stars have shined brightly this season. But who deserves the top honor? Let's look at who the experts are backing.
Salah Dominates the Conversation
For many, Salah is the clear frontrunner. He's set to lead the Premier League in both goals and assists this season - a feat only achieved twice before in Premier League history. The last player to do it? Salah himself in the 2021-22 season.
What makes his case even stronger is that Liverpool are winning the league by a comfortable margin. When you score more than anyone, assist more than anyone, and your team wins the title, it's hard to argue against you.
Adding to Salah's case is how he handled his contract situation. Despite negotiations dragging until April, he remained professional throughout. Many voters will appreciate this level of commitment during uncertainty.
Surprising Contenders Emerge
Not everyone is backing Salah, though. Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has gained support despite his team's struggles. With 19 goals and 18 assists across all competitions, he's carried United through their worst league season in decades.
Another surprising pick is Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood. At 33, the New Zealander has been exceptional with 19 goals and 3 assists. His performance could be crucial for Forest's European ambitions next season - something bettors should keep in mind when looking at next season's markets.
Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch has earned praise too. After struggling under Jürgen Klopp, he thrived as the anchor in Arne Slot's system. His transformation from bench player to key starter makes him an interesting dark horse.
Virgil van Dijk has also received significant backing. His leadership during Liverpool's transition from Klopp to Slot has been invaluable. Many see him as the defensive foundation that made Liverpool's title run possible.
For bettors looking ahead to next season, this award could signal who the bookmakers might favor for individual honors. Players who finish strong in this year's voting often enter the new season with shortened odds for similar awards.
The race might seem tight on paper, but Salah's combination of goals, assists, and team success makes him the clear favorite. His performance has not only earned Liverpool a title but has made them a consistently reliable option for bettors throughout the season.
With the official announcement coming soon, we'll see if the Football Writers' Association agrees with the experts or if they'll surprise us with an unexpected choice.
