Paul Merson has named Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne as his Premier League Player of the Season.
Fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher opted for the Belgian ahead of other potential candidates as well. Liverpool’s Mo Salah has been tipped by many, but Merson feels that De Bruyne has finished the season strongly, whilst the Egyptian’s form has dipped since the New Year:
“I think Kevin De Bruyne would be my pick as he makes a world-class team like Manchester City tick. Salah had a great start and it’s probably a bit harsh on him, but hasn’t really set the world alight since the turn of the year.”
While some may accuse Merson (as well as Carragher) of recency bias, you can’t deny how important De Bruyne has been during the run-in. He has dragged his team towards another potential league title.
Some may point to the playmaker’s poor form in the opening months of the season as one big reason why he shouldn’t be named player of the year. However, it should be pointed out that he was still recovering from a serious ankle injury he picked up whilst playing for Belgium in the European Championships.
After getting back to full fitness, though, De Bruyne has been in excellent form, and it’s hard to argue with being him recognised as the Premier League’s best performer.
