Premier League Player of the Year: Top 5 nominees for the 2017/18 season

#2 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah is in the running for the Premier League Golden Boot

Mohamed Salah arrived in Liverpool amidst much fanfare even though he wasn't the top priority at the time - retaining Philippe Coutinho was. But the Reds had done their business well, spending £34m to bring him back to the Premier League from AS Roma.

The former Chelsea winger was never given a chance at Stamford Bridge but has since answered his critics who thought he wasn't built for the Premier League. And how!

There was a point this season when he was ahead of everyone in the goal scoring charts before Kane reclaimed the throne. However, Salah has been far more instrumental in the Anfield club's progress this season under Jurgen Klopp.

23 - Despite only joining last summer, Mo Salah is already the 3rd top scorer in all competitions for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp (23 goals), behind only Roberto Firmino (39) and Philippe Coutinho (37). Extraordinary. pic.twitter.com/mIWIMeVD9w

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 2, 2018

With 18 goals (four goals against other top six sides), the Egyptian became a serious contender for the Player of the Year award. The busy festive period didn't seem to tire him and he was involved in 14 goals in his last 10 fixtures (10 goals and 4 assists).

It is why the Merseyside club climbed back into the top four and reeled in Manchester United. Klopp's side are third - three points behind arch-rivals United.

Although the title is probably a step too far at this stage, they can be assured of Champions League football again with the rebuilding process almost complete.