PFA Player of the Year race opens up as Premier League season nears finish

March 16, 2026 Oliver Obel

With only a few weeks remaining in the 2025/26 Premier League season, the race for the PFA Player of the Year award is beginning to take shape — and this year’s contest looks far less predictable than usual.

Recent campaigns have often been dominated by a handful of global superstars, but this season has unfolded differently. Several of the league’s top teams have relied more heavily on tactical structure, disciplined defending and collective organisation than individual brilliance.

Set-pieces have also become increasingly influential. Arsenal, for example, have built a reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous sides from corners and dead-ball situations, illustrating how carefully drilled routines can be just as decisive as moments of flair.

Because of that tactical emphasis, the list of potential Player of the Year candidates includes far more than just prolific forwards. Midfield organisers, defenders and even goalkeepers have emerged as key figures in the title race and wider league standings.

According to the latest betting odds released by Bet365, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has emerged as the early favourite for the award. Rice has played a central role in Arsenal’s push for the Premier League title, combining defensive awareness with leadership and progressive passing in midfield. His influence on both sides of the ball has made him one of the most complete midfielders in the league this season.

Another strong contender is Bruno Fernandes, who has once again been Manchester United’s most influential player. The Portuguese midfielder has been responsible for a significant share of United’s creativity, leading the league in big chances created and contributing a large number of assists. His ability to dictate play and carry responsibility in difficult matches has been central to keeping United competitive.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is also firmly in the conversation. The Norwegian continues to set the benchmark for goalscoring in the Premier League and remains one of the favourites in the Golden Boot race. While his reputation is built primarily on finishing, Haaland has also added more assists to his game this season, showing a broader contribution to City’s attack.

Arsenal’s defensive strength has also pushed several of their players into award discussions. Centre-back Gabriel Magalhães has been a major threat from set-pieces while remaining a consistent presence at the back, while William Saliba has helped anchor one of the league’s most reliable defences. Goalkeeper David Raya has also received recognition for his performances, producing important saves during key moments of the campaign.

The depth of Arsenal’s squad influence does not stop there. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi has brought composure and control to the base of the team’s midfield since arriving, allowing players around him — including Rice — to operate more freely.

Elsewhere, Manchester City’s squad continues to feature several potential contenders. Experienced midfielder Bernardo Silva has taken on greater leadership responsibilities this season, while summer signing Rayan Cherki has shown flashes of the creativity that convinced City to bring him to England.

Liverpool also have representation among the candidates. Dominik Szoboszlai has delivered a series of influential performances from midfield, contributing goals and set-piece quality, while forward Hugo Ekitike has quietly produced a solid return of goals and assists despite Liverpool’s inconsistent title defence.

Some outsiders have also forced their way into the conversation through standout performances. Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon has delivered several decisive moments during the season, while Bournemouth and Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo has impressed with his direct attacking play and goal contributions.

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka remains another prominent name in the discussion. Although his goal and assist numbers are slightly below previous seasons, his influence in Arsenal’s attacking play remains significant.

With the Premier League title race still unfolding, the outcome of the PFA Player of the Year award may ultimately depend on which team finishes strongest. Historically, the honour often goes to a player whose performances are closely tied to their club’s success.

As the campaign approaches its final weeks, the field of contenders reflects the broader story of the season: a Premier League defined not only by individual stars, but by collective organisation and tactical execution.

Sources: Premier League statistics, Bet365 odds, club match reports.