PFA Player of the Year Nominees
After a topsy turvy season, the annual PFA Player of the Year Nominations are in, and SER gives you the latest on all the nominees (of which 5 hail from Old Trafford.)
RYAN GIGGS
An icon at Old Trafford, the 35 year old Welshman has played a key role in Manchester’s season, playing perfect balls from corners, and dominating the midfield. Sir Bobby Charlton has claimed Giggs – who has now overtaken his appearance record- has never had a better season. Although his nomination is a surprise to many, Giggs is no stranger to winning accolades, and will be looking to add to his substantial collection of silverware.
NEMANJA VIDIC
A rock solid performer throughout the season, the Serbian has been the cornerstone for the Red Devils. He can do it on both ends with his brute force, winning headers to score or to clear. He has a number of goals to his name, but his real contribution to United’s campaign has been his consistent form at the center of the club’s defense. He has proven time and time again, the he can stick to or overpower any forward in the league, through speed or force.
EDWIN VAN DER SAR
Probably the second most surprise nominee of all, Van Der Sar has skimmed his way to the final round for PFA Player of the Year voting. The 38 year old Dutchman has had a record breaking season, playing 1,311 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal. However, many credit this astonishing feat to Manchester United’s sturdy back four, with fellow nominees, Vidic and Ferdinand leading the defense. They say it was not such a feat at all for the keeper, because he only had to make a handful of saves throughout the record. Nevertheless, Van Der Dar is looking for his first PFA accolade this time around.
CRISTIANO RONALDO
The Portuguese winger is coming into the balloting as defending PFA Player of the Year, but will he be able to defend that title this year? After one of the best seasons of all time, Ronaldo came into this season with high expectations (and hopes of going to Real Madrid) hoping to match his 42 goal haul from last season. Although a terrific season in most people’s eyes, its been a disappointing one for the FIFA Player of the Year’s own, with only 19 goals in all competitions under his name. Another downside to his season was his injury plague at the kick off of this year’s campaign. Ronaldo is another player familiar with winning awards, and will be hoping to edge this year’s PFA Player of the Year voting.
RIO FERDINAND
The center back is the other defender who has been nominated for the PFA voting. Ironically, the other defender nominee is his defender, Nemaja Vidic, and neither would be here without the other. Theyknow each other so well, that they are practically two peas in a pod, supporting each other, going up on offense while one stays back, the whole schbang. Rio is the more graceful of the two, and also the more defensive of the pair, playing and recieving balls in the back for a good portion of possesion each game. He must also be credited with helping the team keeper, Van Der Sar, break the cleat sheet record.
STEVEN GERRARD
Probably having his best season yet, the England midfielder is the only nominee for PFA Player of the Year who does not come from Manchester United’s ranks. The Liverpool skipper has become a club icon, with astounding goals, and superb passes, and making critical plays in critical games. He is the driving force behind the Merseysiders, playing an attacking midfield role with Fernando Torres. He is Liverpool’s leading scorer in all competitions this season, and is hoping to win this year’s PFA Player of the Year award, hoping to keep it from the Red Devils.
