The PFA Men’s Player of the Year shortlist for the 2023-24 season has been revealed, and it comes as no surprise that Manchester City players feature heavily. Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Rodri, key figures in City’s successful campaign, lead the pack. Haaland, who secured his second consecutive Golden Boot with 27 league goals, showcased his goal-scoring prowess once again. Foden, a previous recipient of the Premier League Young Player of the Year award, added more accolades to his name this season by claiming the Premier League’s Player of the Season and the Football Writers’ Player of the Season awards. Rodri’s impressive unbeaten streak of 74 games for club and country contributed significantly to City’s fourth successive league title.
Competing against the Manchester City trio are some formidable challengers. Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer have also made the prestigious shortlist. Ødegaard’s contributions to Arsenal’s midfield have not gone unnoticed, while Palmer’s standout debut season at Stamford Bridge, where he scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists, has earned him a well-deserved spot. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, instrumental in the team’s qualification for the Champions League for the first time in over four decades, completes the list of nominees. Their performances have caught the eye of players across the league, leading to their inclusion in the race for the top award.
On the women’s side, the PFA Player of the Year shortlist features prominent names such as Lauren James, Erin Cuthbert, and Khadija “Bunny” Shaw. Chelsea’s dominance in the Women’s Super League (WSL) is reflected in the nominations, with James, Cuthbert, and Niamh Charles playing vital roles in securing the club’s fifth successive title. Shaw’s impressive goal-scoring record, finishing as the division’s top scorer with 22 goals for Manchester City, adds a competitive edge to the race for the award. City’s Yui Hasegawa and Lauren Hemp have also earned nominations, with Hasegawa aiming to become the first Japanese player to win the prestigious individual accolade.
The anticipation is high as the winners of both the men’s and women’s PFA Player of the Year awards will be revealed on August 20th. With a mix of established stars and emerging talents vying for the top honors, the final announcement promises to be a thrilling moment for players, fans, and football enthusiasts alike. Stay tuned to witness who will emerge victorious and etch their names in the annals of football history.