Declan Rice named top Premier League player ahead of Bruno Fernandes | OneFootball

L'Équipe reports that Declan Rice has been named Premier League player of the season at the new BBC Football Awards, finishing ahead of Bruno Fernandes.

The broadcaster's panel of journalists, pundits and commentators chose the Arsenal midfielder, diverging from the official honours. The Premier League named Fernandes its player of the season after a historic campaign, with a record 21 assists and nine goals. Igor Thiago of Brentford placed third in the vote.

Rice, influential in the biggest games, has embodied Arsenal's collective rise to a first league title in 22 years.

Mikel Arteta was also recognised as coach of the year, ahead of Keith Andrews of Brentford and Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth. The breakthrough prize went to Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly.

The team of the season underlined Arsenal's dominance, with five Gunners included, David Raya, Jurriën Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Rice.

Source: L'Équipe