In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Liverpool's Egyptian king Mohamed Salah has been completely omitted from the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year shortlist.
The six-man list, voted for by fellow professionals, features some of the Premier League's standout performers but notably excludes one of its most consistent and devastating attackers.
The Elite Six: Who Made the Cut?
Manchester City's phenomenal duo Phil Foden and Erling Haaland lead the nominations, with the Norwegian goal machine looking to retain the crown he won last season. Arsenal's transformative midfield general Declan Rice receives recognition for his colossal impact since his record-breaking move from West Ham.
The shortlist is completed by two more of Arsenal's title-chasing stars—vice-captain Martin Ødegaard and defensive rock William Saliba—alongside Aston Villa's prolific striker Ollie Watkins, whose 19 Premier League goals have fired his club into Champions League contention.
A Glaring Omission
Salah's exclusion seems particularly baffling given his remarkable statistical output. Despite missing a significant period through injury and Africa Cup of Nations duty, the Liverpool forward has still managed to rack up 18 goals and 10 assists in just 24 league starts.
This places him among the division's most productive players, continuing a streak of relentless excellence that has defined his time in England. Many pundits and fans are questioning how such a influential figure, in a team that pushed for the title until the final weeks, could be overlooked by his peers.
Young Player Contenders Emerge
In the Young Player of the Year category, a similar list of stars emerges with Kobbie Mainoo's remarkable breakthrough season at Manchester United earning him a deserved nomination. He is joined by Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, Manchester City's Phil Foden, and Chelsea's Cole Palmer, whose 22 goals have been a rare bright spot at Stamford Bridge.
The winners of both awards will be unveiled at a glittering ceremony in late May, but the debate surrounding Salah's shocking snub is sure to rage on long after the trophies have been handed out.
