Rodri, Gordon and O'Neil surprise omissions on Premier League short-lists.
Plus the importance of establishing why there are so many injuries and also why fans are going to Parliament to have games abroad stopped.
The short-lists for Premier League stars of the season are out and inevitably there is focus on notable omissions. The imperious Rodri really should be amongst candidates for Player of the Year. He’d walk into any midfield in the world, let alone in England. He’s vital for Manchester City, breaking up and dictating play. They lost when he was suspended.
Those up for the honour are his team-mates Phil Foden and Erling Haaland along with Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Alexander Isak, Ollie Watkins and Virgil van Dijk. It’s a strong field, reflecting what an epic season it’s been. Has Van Dijk, admittedly getting back to his commanding best, really had a better season than Rodri? Unless the organisers deliberately sought a spread of clubs, and part of the judging process does go to a public vote as well as expert panel, Rodri should have been nominated. The winner, for me, has to be Foden, already the writers’ Footballer of the Year.
