Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is in the running to win the Premier League Player of the Season award for a remarkable second year in a row. The 23-year-old Norwegian faces competition from teammate Phil Foden, alongside a strong shortlist including Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
Public vote and a Premier League panel will determine the winner, announced on May 18th. City manager Pep Guardiola, a four-time winner of the Manager of the Season award, is also shortlisted alongside Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.
Haaland etched his name in history last year by becoming the first player to win both the Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards, scoring a staggering 36 goals in 35 league games. While his tally this season sits at 25 goals, he remains a crucial part of City’s chase for a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo, during his Manchester United reign (2006-07 and 2007-08), has achieved consecutive Player of the Season wins. However, Haaland faces stiff competition from teammate Foden, recently named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year. Foden boasts 16 league goals and 8 assists this season.
Manchester City’s dominance in the award is evident, with a player from the club winning for the past four seasons. Haaland follows Kevin de Bruyne’s double win (2019-20, 2021-22) and Ruben Dias’s triumph in 2020-21.
Arsenal’s title push is fueled by the midfield duo of Odegaard and Rice. The Norwegian has contributed 8 goals and 8 assists, while the English midfielder has impressed in his first season with the Gunners, tallying 9 goals and 7 assists.
Chelsea’s summer acquisition, Cole Palmer (formerly of City), has been a revelation with 21 goals and 9 assists. Meanwhile, Swedish striker Alexander Isak has netted 20 goals for Newcastle. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins boasts an impressive 19 goals and 12 assists, while Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, the 2018-19 winner, led his team to Carabao Cup glory this season.
The battle extends to the Young Player of the Season award, where Haaland and Foden are joined by Palmer and Isak. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, and Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie complete the list for the prestigious youth award.
