Manchester City lead the group with three nominees, while stars from north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham also make the shortlist
The PFA Awards have been a highlight of the footballing calendar for 50 years, and the organisation has now revealed the shortlist for the 2023 Men’s Players’ Player of the Year, with six brilliant footballers nominated for the prestigious award.
Manchester City goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland headlines the group, while team-mates Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones also find themselves among the nominees. Exceptional Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard make the ballot after their outstanding 2022-23 Premier League campaign, while England’s Harry Kane takes his place after another prolific season.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah was the winner in 2022, but he doesn’t even make the final six this time around.
Erling Haaland | Club: Manchester City | Nationality: Norway
The Norwegian netted a ridiculous 52 goals across all competitions last term for the treble winners. Haaland’s debut Premier League campaign thrust him further into the spotlight and he is now regarded as one of the best strikers in the world.
Kevin De Bruyne | Club: Manchester City | Nationality: Belgium
The creator-in-chief behind Manchester City’s remarkable treble win, De Bruyne found the back of the net 10 times across all competitions while assisting 31 goals along the way. He made 49 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side last campaign.
Kevin De Bruyne | Club: Manchester City | Nationality: Belgium
Harry Kane | Club: Tottenham Hotspur | Nationality: England
Kane’s 2022-23 campaign was brilliant as the England captain scored 34 goals across all competitions. The achievement saw his total goals scored in the Premier League move up to a staggering 213, which left him 43 shy of Alan Shearer’s record. However, the summer transfer window has seen Kane since move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
Martin Odegaard | Club: Arsenal | Nationality: Norway
The maestro of Mikel Arteta’s midfield, Odegaard was crucial in Arsenal’s best campaign of the last decade as they took second in the race for the Premier League title. The Norwegian scored 15 goals and added seven assists across all competitions.
Bukayo Saka | Club: Arsenal | Nationality: England
The star winger of the Gunners, Saka’s influence on the squad goes beyond measure. The 21-year-old scored 15 goals and added 11 assists as Arsenal took second place in the Premiere League. His upward trajectory and tender years mean he is only likely to get better and better as time goes on.
John Stones | Club: Manchester City | Nationality: England
The defender transitioned roles during the 2022-23 campaign for Manchester City, moving into a quasi defensive midfield role where he helped lead City to both that aforementioned treble. Stones was a crucial asset for Guardiola’s side in the innovative inverted full-back position.
Goal
