Luis Suarez, Gareth Bale, Robin Van Persie: who will win PFA Player of the Year?

RVP’s start to the season was superb, his goalscoring form and link up play with midfield maestro Michael Carrick was impressive, and this partnership is still showing signs of development. His goals have been of major importance in the Red Devils’ attempts to regain the title from rivals City. He’s scored some vital goals, including his hat-trick against Southampton at the start of the season, and his sublime last minute free-kick against their noisy neighbours in a 3-2 win at the Etihad.

However, the Dutchman has suffered a dip in form over his last 13 games, not finding the back of the net, despite his good international form. There are few people who would doubt that Van Persie has been value for money for Sir Alex’s side. Had he gone to the blue side of Manchester, there’s a possibility City would be streaks ahead of United, and on course to defend their Barclays Premier League title.

Its important to note that there have been numerous other star performers this season, however the three players mentioned are just a stretch ahead of the other group of players. The likes of Michu, who has been in great goal scoring form for Swansea since his summer move from Rayo Vallecano. Santi Cazorla, has proven himself to be a purchase of immense quality, in his first season in the Premier League. He’s flourished for Arsenal this year, playing a vital part in the clubs pursuit of retaining their Champions League place.

Chelsea talisman Frank Lampard has had yet another fantastic season netting 12 league goals, as well as surpassing 200 career goals for the blues. His performances this season have been impressive and have left people bemused as to why he has not been offered a new contract to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Juan Mata also deserves great credit  for his performances for Chelsea this season, however his run of form has been affected by the amount of fixtures Chelsea have had, with their involvement in the Europa League creating somewhat of a fixture pile up for the club. Van Persie’s teammate at United, Michael Carrick, has also had a tremendous season, and is unlucky, as in any other year he would have made the top three. He has been an ever-present in the league leaders starting line-up, providing his club with many standout performances throughout the course of the season.

The Belgian international, Jan Vertonghen has excelled in his first season in the Premier League since joining from Ajax in the summer. He’s flourished both at centre-back and at left-back for Tottenham, and has proven to be very good value for money for Spurs.

It’s not possible to mention every player who has performed well this season on the shortlist, as there have been many outstanding performers this year. However, there are two more players, who are more likely to be considered for the Young Player of the Year award- Christian Benteke of Aston Villa and Ben Davies of Swansea.

Both have been in superb form this season. Without Benteke’s goals its arguable that Villa would already have been relegated, and it would surprise many if he were not to move on to a bigger club next year, with Spurs an interested party.

The Young welshman Davies, 19, has been a revelation this year both in the league and in Swansea’s league cup success. The Left-back has filled in for regular Neil Taylor who has been out injured for the season, and as a result of Davies’ consistent performances, he will struggle to get back into the team. Although fellow young left-back Luke Shaw, at Southampton, has received many plaudits this year, Davies has been somewhat overlooked by the media, despite his great season.

So who will win PFA Player of the Year award? For me, between the formerly mentioned Bale, Suarez and Van Persie, its a dead heat between Suarez and Bale. Despite Van Persie’s early season form, he’s slightly veered off the road to retaining his award.

The Welsh international and the ex-Ajax striker have been consistently outstanding, and have both transformed into complete players this season, who both look capable of taking on the worlds best.

If I was to push for a winner, then Liverpool’s Luis Suarez would take the award for me. His performances have been incredible, and his attitude superb. He’s not only the best striker in the Premier League, but also one of the best in Europe. Whatever happens when the player of the year award is announced, one things for sure, it’s going to be a very close.

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