Andrew Fifield On The Premiership: Footballers are a predictable lot. The image of the top-flight pro, relaxing in his mock-Tudor mansion with portable DVD player, Rolex watch and swanky sports car may be a cliche, but generally the stereotype rings alarmingly true. Conformity is comfortable; few dare to be different.
So perhaps it is time to scrap the PFA Player of the Year award. Winners of this coveted gong traditionally claim it means more because it is chosen by their peers, but the in-house selection process ensures the shortlist of nominees is always mind-numbingly dull.
Take this year's offering: John Terry, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole (all from Chelsea), Thierry Henry (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) and Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), six fine players and all primed to pep their already inflated transfer values at the summer's World Cup, but do they really need yet more recognition?
It is time to look beyond the Sky billboards and hail the unsung heroes.
So, disregarding players from the league's "big four" (sorry Spurs), who should be in line for a laurel?
First, Kevin Nolan. Bolton's season is in danger of disintegration as they attempt to flush the disappointment of exiting the FA and Uefa cups from their system, but Nolan, a midfielder of poise, guile and boundless energy, has remained unremittingly excellent. It is scandalous that Sven-Goran Eriksson has still not deigned to include him in an England squad.
His critics may sneer at Bolton's comparative lack of stature, but Nolan could never be accused of suffering from stage-fright. Of all the 11 goals he has scored this season - a remarkable tally for a central midfielder, given Wanderers are not exactly renowned for their gung-ho commitment to attack - none was dispatched with greater aplomb than the 20-yard lob that flew over Arsenal's Jens Lehmann at Highbury in February. That it was struck first-time, with the outside of Nolan's outstretched right boot, simply emphasised the class of a player who is already attracting the interest of Manchester United.
Next, Steven Reid. Blackburn's leggy midfielder is pulled from the same box as Nolan: both rely on a certain rugged athleticism, but the brawn is offset by a silky touch.
This has been a pivotal season for Reid. Last year, his obvious talent was muffled by a tendency to disappear just when Rovers needed him to be at his forceful best.
That has all changed. Eight yellow cards this term show Reid is still not flinching from the darker side to the midfielder's art, but he is now at the heart of all Blackburn's best moves and it is no coincidence the Lancashire club are enjoying their best season in years.
Two more midfielders are worthy of mention. Wigan may be ending their season with a whimper rather than a roar, but Jimmy Bullard's effervescence has not been quelled.
The Latics' talisman is a throwback to the days when no team was complete without a dubiously coiffured ball-winner, snapping and snarling at his opponents' heels, but Bullard is more than just a terrier.
He has also developed a useful knack of snaffling goals, the latest coming on Saturday at Newcastle, and he deserves more than a lower mid-table finish. It is debatable how long Paul Jewell can deflect the covetous glances from bigger rivals.
The same applies to Gary O'Neil. Portsmouth's captain is another creature from a bygone era, having remained at Fratton Park all his career, but his form has inevitably attracted interest.
In a generally dire season on the south coast, O'Neil has been a shining light, at times leading Pompey's survival tilt almost single-handed. He was at it again on Saturday, driving in the only goal of the game against Middlesbrough to give his club a four-point cushion at the foot of the table.
O'Neil's cause is dented by Portsmouth's parlous position, but the same cannot be said for Tottenham. The essence of their success this season has been a collective dynamic, but certain individuals have stood out: Robbie Keane's form has been exceptional since the new year while Michael Dawson and Ledley King have been as good as any defensive partnership, but it is the goalkeeper Paul Robinson - one of the Premiership's most underrated performers - who shades it.
Finally, it would be remiss not to pay tribute to Darren Bent.
Charlton may elicit a ho-hum response from everyone outside their corner of south-east London, but Bent's startling form this term - 20 goals and counting - cannot be ignored.
The 22-year-old is blessed with thrilling pace, a fine leap and crafty movement, attributes which more than compensate for his occasional lack of composure.
All six are worthy contenders; all will do well just to receive an invite to the PFA bash at the Grosvenor House Hotel next Sunday.
All very predictable, but there is always next year.
