Forwards
Liverpool’s high-flying winger Sadio Mane has continued his blistering form from last season, scoring 13 goals and providing another 6 assists in the Premier League this term. The 27-year-old Senegalese was, without a doubt, Klopp’s best player in the first half of their season before a minor muscle tear at the turn of the year ruled him out for a few weeks.
On his return from injury, however, Mane has once again highlighted his unparalleled importance in this Liverpool side with crucial winners against Norwich and West Ham in their relentless pursuit towards the title. A powerhouse winger, Mane is not just a natural goalscorer but a pacy dribbler, ball-carrier and a potent chance creator.
Mane’s counterpart Mohamed Salah and Wolves’ speedster Adama Traore are strong contenders for the other wide position, however, the influence and impact Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang has had on Arsenal this season should surely land him a place in the PFA Team of the Year line-up come May. The Gabonese front-man, with his brace against Everton, became the joint-highest scorer in the division (17).
In an astonishing statistic, Arsenal would have been rock-bottom in the Premier League without Aubameyang’s goals, such has been his importance. Mikel Arteta’s arrival has brought an exciting, attacking brand of football which has injected new life into the players, with Aubameyang benefiting the most. The Gunners find themselves 10th on the Premier League table right now and face an uphill task to secure European football.
The 2019/20 Premier League campaign has been one for the strikers, especially with Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham, Southampton’s Danny Ings and Wolves’ Raul Jimenez among others firing on all cylinders week-in week-out. However, Leicester City talisman Jamie Vardy, despite his ongoing dry spell, should undoubtedly lead the PFA Team of the Year. The former English international is level with Aubameyang on 17 goals whilst also giving 4 assists this season.
Vardy is one of the most-feared strikers in the division because of his exceptional pace, movement and finishing. His relationship with James Maddison is almost telepathic and a joy to watch even for neutral fans. Jamie Vardy will now look to end his campaign on a high and steer his club to only their second-ever Champions League qualification.