Former England striker Alan Shearer has named Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as two of his standout candidates for the Premier League Player of the Season award.
Shearer said Rice has been instrumental for Arsenal this season, citing the way the England international has “dragged” his side through games. He added that Fernandes is also among the leading contenders.
The former Newcastle and Blackburn forward stated that the outcome of the award could be shaped by how the title race concludes, suggesting that an Arsenal player — with Rice as the most likely candidate — would be the frontrunner should the Gunners win a double or treble.
“I think two outstanding candidates also would be Declan Rice and Bruno Fernandes. With Rice, the way he’s dragged Arsenal through games as well. I think it depends on what will happen in terms of teams winning.
“If Arsenal were to win the treble or a double, depending on what that double may be, then it would probably have to be an Arsenal player, and Rice has been one of the standouts.”
Shearer did not name a definitive winner, saying the final decision would depend on results between now and the end of the season.
