My Player Of The Year Headache

I’ve been thinking about who my vote for the Football Writers Association player of the year will go to and I’m torn…

So many players have had incredible seasons. Spurs trio Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Toby Alderweireld have been awesome. Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil has racked up more assists that a lollipop lady – while West Ham’s Dmitri Payet has looked like a super human time and time again.

The Leicester City story has gripped us all and this is where I’m stuck. Jamie Vardy’s goals have been central to the Foxes unexpected title chase and N’Golo Kante has dominated the midfield to become one of the Premier League’s star performers. But I’m torn between two men… Riyah Mahrez and captain Wes Morgan – and I would love to see both recognised between the PFA and FWA awards.

Mahrez would become the first African to win the PFA player of the year award if his fellow pros have given him the most votes. He has been shortlisted for the accolade and I really hope he makes history. Vardy has scored more, with 22, but Mahrez has scored loads and given tons more assists. At the time of writing he has 16 goals and 11 assists (Vardy has 6 assists). So this is why he edges the England striker for me. I’ve also met the Algerian and you could not wish to meet a nicer and more humble man.

Morgan has been given little credit for his role in the Foxes title challenge. It staggers me that he’s not been more visible in the media. As the skipper you would have thought we’d have heard more from him. But perhaps this is all part of a clever strategy Leicester have followed in constantly down playing their title chances. Either way Morgan’s leadership has been outstanding and his partnership with Robert Huth at the heart of their defence has been top drawer. What a huge moment it would be for him to lift the trophy – especially after his success with Jamaica last summer, too.

So – do I go for a Jamaican defender who would be the first Reggae Boy to lift the title as captain or Africa’s first PFA player of the year (hopefully)? Frankly – just having that choice is more important and something our communities should celebrate.

Help me out and tell me who gets your vote by tweeting me @Leon_Mann