2018 - Best player of the year for each Premier League top six club

Liverpool

Mohammed Salah

Liverpool reached the Champions League final, losing in spectacular fashion (in various means) to record-holders Real Madrid. Mohammed Salah's early injury from Sergio Ramos, Karius's mistakes, and Gareth Bale's wonder goal, all led to a memorable final. Mohammed Salah himself was instrumental in his club reaching the final, notably scoring against Premier League rivals Man City in the quarter-finals.

In terms of league form, the Anfield club finished fourth and will enter 2019 top of the league, even if they lose Matchday 19. It could be the first title win since 1990 for them, and their first league win of the Premier League era. The summer window showed a huge outlay from the club, notably on Keita, Shaqiri, Fabinho, and Allison, which was in addition to Virgil van Dijk earlier in the year. Liverpool now, under manager Jurgen Klopp, has a firm footing to win the league for the first time in a generation.

So then, who has been their player of 2018? For me, it's a simple choice, and whilst van Dijk has been stellar, and Allison has been an enhancement over Karius, it is none other than Mo Salah.

The recent BBC African player of the year has been a major attacking influence to Liverpool, and will surely contest again to retain his PL Golden Boot. He is also the star of the Egyptian national side, though he didn't shine to the extent of his club form. Salah also set a record in his 17/18 Golden Boot win, in that he scored the most goals to win the award in a 38-game season. He clearly is an African star, and a prime asset for Liverpool, and the league overall.

Honourable mentions:

Virgil van Dijk

Sadio Mane

Roberto Firmino

Jordan Henderson

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Allison Becker