Cristiano Ronaldo, who was this week named as one of three Manchester United players on the shortlist for the PFA Player of the Year award, has shown this season he is the ”most exciting player in the country”, according to the union’s chief executive, Gordon Taylor.
The 22-year-old winger is the favourite to win the award on Sunday night and is likely to collect the Young Player of the Year prize as well. Taylor believes the plaudits Ronaldo is receiving are deserved.
”The quickness of his feet and the skills he possesses make you think, at times, he is from another planet.”
Among those joining Ronaldo on the shortlist are club mates Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. Drogba has scored 30 goals to keep his team on the heels of United in the Premiership and on track for FA Cup and Champions League trophies to add to their Carling Cup success.
”What I have liked about Didier this season is the way he has committed himself to the Chelsea cause and how he has maintained such excellent form, even when Chelsea have been going through a sticky time,” Taylor said.
”Didier has, arguably, been Chelsea’s best and most consistent performer this season; no mean achievement when he is playing alongside so many top-class players at Stamford Bridge.”
Arsenal’s Cesc Fábregas has, like Ronaldo, been nominated for the senior and young player awards. ”He has been a marvellous player for Arsenal who, when they are in full flow, are wonderful to watch, with Fábregas usually at the heart of every move,” Taylor said.
Young Player of the Year shortlist: Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo (both Manchester United), Fábregas (Arsenal), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham) and Micah Richards (Manchester City).
Six of the best Player of the Year shortlist: Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs (all Manchester United), Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) and Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal). – Â