PFA Player anf Young Player Of The Year Nominees

[KURUPTION-81]

Some of the biggest names in the professional game are in the hunt for the Players' Player of the Year award, after the PFA confirmed the shortlist for the prestigious accolade.

Thierry Henry collected the award in both 2003 and 2004, Chelsea's defensive star John Terry was the 2005 recipient, and last year belonged to Liverpool talisman Steven Gerrard.

Whoever wins this year's title will certainly be following in some very illustrious footsteps as, in addition to Henry, Terry and Gerrard, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Teddy Sheringham and Roy Keane are recent winners.

The list of this season's nominees reads like a who's who of international football - and Cristiano Ronaldo will certainly be among the favourites having been a shining light for Manchester United.

Didier Drogba, Cesc Fabregas, Steven Gerrard, Ryan Giggs, and Paul Scholes are also in the running and it is sure to be a close run thing.

PFA PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
PLAYER Gordon Taylor's view 
Didier Drogba (Chelsea) "What I have liked most about him this season is the way he has committed himself to the Chelsea cause and how he has maintained such excellent form, even when Chelsea have been going through a sticky time."

Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) "He is the one who makes them tick and, to see him so composed in the midfield action area, you would think that there is a much older head on those young shoulders because he has such remarkable vision and perception of what's going on around him."

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) "He is a great leader, he sets a great example to others and he is a top quality lad to boot - both on and off the field. He loves the game, loves Liverpool, (which is why he decided to stay put when Chelsea came knocking) and loves playing for England."

Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) "For Ryan to reach, and surpass, the 700-game mark for such a massive club as Manchester United, is a tribute to his supreme professionalism, longevity and loyalty and he will be a worthy successor to Sir Bobby Charlton as United's record appearance holder."

Cristiano Ronaldo(Manchester United) "The most exciting player in the country at the moment, the quickness of his feet and the skills he possesses make you think, at times, that he's from another planet."

Paul Scholes (Manchester United) "He has been a key factor behind United's success so far this season, and I am sure he is one of the first names Sir Alex puts down on his team sheet. A true players' player."
 


Arsenal star Fabregas and Manchester United winger Ronaldo are also in line for the Young Player of the Year award, but face competition from Reading striker Kevin Doyle, Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon, Manchester City defender Micah Richards and the winner of the award for the last two years, Wayne Rooney.

PFA YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
PLAYER Gordon Taylor's view 
Kevin Doyle (Reading) "There is nothing better than a footballing fairytale - and Kevin's rise to stardom is a classic case in point, and one which should serve as great encouragement, and a great example to other youngsters with similar ambitions who want to follow their dreams."

Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) "He has been a marvellous player for Arsenal who, when they are in full flow, are wonderful to watch; with Fabregas usually at the heart of every move."

Aaron Lennon (Tottenham) "Aaron would be in my team every time because, as a winger with incredible pace, he can operate on both flanks and has the ability to beat people at will and deliver the sort of crosses every centre forward dreams about."

Micah Richards (Manchester City) "He is a giant of a lad and I was delighted to see him called up to the England squad, and even more thrilled that he took it on his broad, young shoulders and coped so well with his elevation to the international stage."

Cristiano Ronaldo(Manchester United) "The most exciting player in the country at the moment, the quickness of his feet and the skills he possesses make you think, at times, that he's from another planet."

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)  "He is willing to have a go in whatever position he is asked to play, and will come through. In the fullness of time I am convinced that Wayne will be an all-time great." 

The winners of the PFA awards will be announced at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on 22nd April

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[JMan]

id love to see lennon take the award.. but its gotta be Ronaldo, dude is untouchable at the moment, had an amazing season.

[KURUPTION-81]

id love to see lennon take the award.. but its gotta be Ronaldo, dude is untouchable at the moment, had an amazing season.

yeah ronaldo deserves to do the double, player of the year and young player.

[Sweet & Tender Hooligan]

IMO if Chelsea win the league, Drogba willl get it. If not Ronaldo.....Will be a bit of a disgrace if Ronaldo doesnt get it though IMO.

[Mac 10 †]

Should be a clean sweep for Ronaldo.

Weird, after the WC I didn't think he would be playing for Man Utd again. Strange how stuff turns out.

[KURUPTION-81]

IMO if Chelsea win the league, Drogba willl get it. If not Ronaldo.....Will be a bit of a disgrace if Ronaldo doesnt get it though IMO.

the votes have already been done.

[gav09]

Ronaldo should get it all day! But if he dunt get the young player 1, Lennon shud def get it!

[Sweet & Tender Hooligan]

IMO if Chelsea win the league, Drogba willl get it. If not Ronaldo.....Will be a bit of a disgrace if Ronaldo doesnt get it though IMO.

the votes have already been done.

Oh rite, well its gotta be Ronaldo then.

[K.Dub]

CRISTIANO (most of y'all forget it  ) Ronaldo deserves ( ) it, but my heart follows Cesc

[Lunatic]

ronaldo should defanitely get both