Soccer:Wayne Rooney has been installed as the overwhelming favourite to land the PFA player of the year award following the release of the short-list today. The Manchester United star has enjoyed an outstanding season, even if it appears his success at club level could be limited to the Carling Cup.
Rooney has scored 34 goals for United this term and has catapulted himself among the true world-class talents.
If Rooney did win, it would be the fourth time on the trot a member of the Old Trafford camp had received the accolade, following on from Ryan Giggs last year, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who was player of the year in the two seasons before that.
Rooney does have some competition, although the usual six-man shortlist has been trimmed to four.
Like Rooney, Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has been selected for both the main award, and the young player of the year prize.
Although he has been sidelined for the rest of the season by injury, Fabregas held together a Gunners’ title challenge that twice seemed to have collapsed before Tottenham almost certainly snuffed it out last night.
As champions-elect, Chelsea were bound to have a representative, and while he might not have hit the heights as consistently as in other years, Didier Drogba’s goals ensured the Stamford Bridge outfit came through their rocky patch and are now in line to become only the seventh team to land the domestic double.
Manchester City’s emergence as a Premier League force is also confirmed by the presence of Carlos Tevez, who has been such a pivotal figure for the Blues since his controversial summer move from neighbours United.
City also have a representative for the young player prize, although in Joe Hart’s case that has only happened following a successful loan move to Birmingham.
Aston Villa’s James Milner is the fourth name on that list, testament to his outstanding form for Martin O’Neill’s men, which seems certain to earn him a place in Fabio Capello’s England World Cup squad.
Comments on contenders for Main Player of the Year from PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor
Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
"Drogba's strength is different class. I have seen so many games when he has been left out of the starting line-up for whatever reason and then come on, his presence alone makes a massive difference."
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
"He is crucial to Arsenal and typifies the quality of their play. He is a real engine-room player. You sit back and marvel at his skills. It would be a sad day if our game lost him."
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
"He is like one of those blocks you use to demolish buildings. Sometimes you can't believe how good he is. From an English point of view it is good that we have a real contender, not just to be the best player in this country but the whole world."
Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)
"He is such an energy-packed player. His work-rate and skill are quite phenomenal. He is red-hot at the moment and his goals look like they could propel Manchester City into qualification for the Champions League."
Comments on contenders for Young Player of the Year from PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
"In contention for both awards. He has come through remarkably well. He has had a season interrupted by serious injury yet to still make the impact he has is indicative of his quality."
Joe Hart (Manchester City, on loan at Birmingham)
"He has shown the benefits of the loan system. It is much better for him to be playing first-team football. I am really pleased he has been given that opportunity. He has not let Alex McLeish down and has the world in front of him."
James Milner (Aston Villa)
"I feel really proud of James. His parents came to us for help and advice from a very early age. He was determined to make it to the top. People have said he is a water-carrier. He is a lot more than that."
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
"Won young player in 2005 and 2006, so he was making an impact then. He was that boy wonder. I have seen that maturity develop. Sometimes you can't believe how good he is. You just hope he can leave something in the tank for the summer."