Fernandes, Raya, Thiago? Our Premier League player of the season nominees | OneFootball

With less than a quarter of the season remaining, the Premier League’s player-of-the-season debate is intensifying. Bruno Fernandes reached 16 assists on Sunday, a Manchester United Premier League record, leaving him four short of the season benchmark after a surge since Ruben Amorim’s departure.

According to NY Times, their writers nominated Antoine Semenyo, Gabriel, David Raya, Bruno Fernandes, Igor Thiago and Declan Rice.

One view is that Declan Rice will take the official prize, deservedly so, yet the vote goes to Semenyo for brightening a flat campaign. He has 15 goals in 29 league games, rarely as an out-and-out striker, and has looked at home since a January move from Bournemouth to Manchester City for around £62.5million, while others in City’s attack have not sustained form.

Gabriel is backed as a throwback central defender who epitomises Arsenal’s resilience, physicality and set-piece threat. He is the pick over Fernandes in a season shaped by attritional football.

Raya’s case rests on completeness. His saves, aerial command and distribution have underpinned an attack that has not always flowed, and after years of uncertainty since David Seaman, Arsenal now have a best-in-class goalkeeper, signed to replace Aaron Ramsdale.

Fernandes’ assist for Matheus Cunha against Aston Villa showcased his precision. He has created 98 chances, with Rice next on 58, and spent the first half of the season out of position under Amorim.

Brentford’s rise under Keith Andrews puts Igor Thiago in the frame. Signed from Club Bruges for €36.5million, he overcame a knee injury, hit a hat-trick in a 4-2 win over Everton and, despite Erling Haaland’s higher tally, Thiago’s consistency in 2026 and first Brazil call-up bolster his claim.

Rice remains central to Arsenal’s push, leading, driving play and breaking things up. He has missed one game, collected two bookings, and is proving the “lighthouse” figure Mikel Arteta envisaged.

Source: NY Times