IWOBI MISSING FOR PFA YOUNG PLAYER AWARD

The shortlist for the prestigious prize has been
announced, with leading lights from Chelsea and
Manchester United among the top contenders
Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Manchester United striker
Zlatan Ibrahimovic are the leading candidates on a six-
man shortlist for the 2016-17 PFA Players' Player of the
Year award.
After a disappointing campaign last time out, the
resurgent Hazard – the winner of the accolade in
2014-15 – has been integral to Chelsea's return to the
top of the Premier League table, contributing 14 goals
and five assists in 29 appearances.
Since joining on a free transfer in July 2016, Ibrahimovic
has established himself as the spearhead of United's
attack under Jose Mourinho – the 35-year-old Swede
scoring 28 goals in 43 outings in all competitions.
The Premier League's leading goalscorer Romelu
Lukaku of Everton, Tottenham striker Harry Kane,
Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez and Chelsea midfielder
N'Golo Kante have also been nominated.
There is the prospect of a double for Lukaku and Kane,
the prolific duo also finding themselves up for the PFA
Young Player of the Year award.
Tottenham midfielder winner Dele Alli and Manchester
City forward Leroy Sane are also in the running for that
accolade, along with Burnley defender Michael Keane
and Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Alli claimed the gong last season, while team-mate
Kane took it in 2014-15 after an impressive breakout
season for Tottenham.
Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez is the current holder
of the main PFA prize, having been recognised for his
efforts in helping the Foxes to a remarkable Premier
League title win last season.
Past winners include Luis Suarez, Gareth Bale, Wayne
Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer
and Eric Cantona.
The award has formed part of the annual football
calendar since 1973-74, when Leeds United’s Norman
Hunter was the first man to take the trophy.
PFA Chief Executive, Gordon Taylor OBE: “The PFA
Awards is always a special occasion and one of the
biggest nights in football’s social calendar.
“For the winners who are honoured at the awards, there
can be no greater personal accolade than that of being
recognised by your peers; an honour to be cherished.”
This year's winners will be announced at the 2017 PFA
Awards, which will be held in London on April 23.