5 players who deserved to be nominated for PFA Player of the Year 2017/18

#5 Nemanja Matic (Manchester United)

Nemanja Matic has held up Manchester United's midfield almost single-handedly

Jose Mourinho's patience has been tested at press conferences a number of times this season. This is the first time he has failed to win a league title in his second season at a club and the surly nature of these press conferences have hogged the limelight more than the Red Devils' performances at times.

But amongst the relative doom and gloom at Old Trafford, Mourinho still praises the performances of Nemanja Matic even if the rest of the side has not played according to plan.

"Many, many times Matic was an island of personality and desire and control, surrounded by a lack of personality, class and desire." - Jose Mourinho

Whether such straightforward public criticism of his players will work in the long run is up for debate but the fact that Matic still gets praise shows he is the glue that holds United together in midfield.

Paul Pogba has blown hot and cold while no other midfielder has had a run of games to be labelled a consistent performer. And yet, United are second in the league and - barring a late collapse - will cling on to that spot to finish deserved runners-up.

Matic has made 59 interceptions and 65 tackles this season. The 29-year-old Serbian blocks passing channels, he breaks up counter-attacks before they can develop, and he effectively shields the back-line which has had its own fair share of problems.

"I didn't have many managers in my life. He is special because he wants to win always. It is very difficult to work with him because he always wants more and more. I like when the manager always wants better." - Nemanja Matic on Mourinho

That isn't all. He also initiates attacks by spraying the ball to the wings while his physical presence on set-pieces makes him a force to reckon with.

He is the all-round midfield player Mourinho craves in his lineup and, having played every game so far, his fitness is also what makes his season so impressive and memorable.