The final edition of Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football for the 2025/26 Premier League season ignited a familiar debate, as pundits Patrick Vieira and Gary Neville offered contrasting views on their Player of the Season. As reported by GiveMeSport, Neville opted for Manchester United’s midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes, while Vieira staunchly defended his choice of Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
The discussion, which also featured Jamie Carragher and Dave Jones, saw Neville, fresh from commentary duties for Arsenal’s league clash against Burnley, outline his reasoning for selecting Fernandes. The Portuguese international enjoyed a remarkable campaign, equalling the single-season Premier League assist record with 20 setups, including one for Bryan Mbeumo in Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Neville’s case for Fernandes
Neville acknowledged the potential for his pick to look misguided should Arsenal’s title challenge culminate in silverware, but stood firm on Fernandes’ individual brilliance. “I just edged it, I think that I could look a fool in a couple of weeks because Declan Rice could end up and Gabriel with a Premier League and Champions League double,” Neville explained, via GiveMeSport. “But at the point where I was asked a week or so ago, I just thought that Bruno deserved it for playing and persisting in a struggling team for half the season and then just excelling the way in which he has.”
Vieira champions Raya
Vieira, however, was quick to dismiss Neville’s choice, responding with a direct, “Not at all. Sorry, Gary.” The former Arsenal captain then passionately argued for 30-year-old David Raya, highlighting the goalkeeper’s pivotal role in Arsenal’s ongoing title challenge.
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“But no, I will go with, of course, one of the Arsenal players. And Raya, for me, David Raya has to be the player of the season,” Vieira stated, according to GiveMeSport. “I think he was outstanding from the first game until the end of the season. I think he was really impressive. He made some really important saves. He won points for Arsenal. So, for me, I don’t see any other players who were quite outstanding, I would say. And we’re always going for those forward or creative players. Why not a defender and why not a goalkeeper? And I think David, for me, will have my vote.”
Vieira further elaborated on Raya’s impact, noting his composure and game-winning contributions. “Arsenal is quite a really strong team defensively and the two central backs have been really outstanding. But this goalkeeper, I think, is what you’re looking for. I think he looks really calm, really composed, but he’s been making some really important saves that keep Arsenal into the game or making Arsenal take the three points. He’s been outstanding all the season and if Arsenal are challenging for the title, this guy has a massive part in that.” The debate underscores the perennial challenge of comparing players across different positions, especially when individual brilliance intersects with team success.
Sources: www.givemesport.com
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