Haaland, Rice, Odegaard Among Nominees for EPL Player of the Season

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is among the nominees for this season’s English Premier League player of the season award.

The 23-year-old Norway international won the award last season and will looking to make it two in a row.

Former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player to win the award in consecutive seasons, in 2006-07 and 2007-08.

Haaland’s City team-mate Phil Foden, who won the Football Writers Association award last week, is also on the shortlist.

Arsenal midfielders Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk complete the shortlist.

The winner, decided by a public vote and a Premier League panel, will be announced on May 18.

City boss Pep Guardiola, a four-time winner of the manager of the season award, has again been shortlisted, alongside Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, Villa’s Unai Emery and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.

Last year Haaland became the first player to win the player of the season award and the young player award after scoring 36 goals in 35 league games.

He has scored 25 this season as City chase a record fourth consecutive title.

He has scored 16 league goals and provided eight assists this season.