Following the nominations for the Young Player of the Season, the shortlist for the Player of the Season has also been announced by the Premier League.
De Bruyne can win third Player of the Season award in England
Kevin De Bruyne can win the prestigious prize for the third time in his career. In addition to teammate Erling Haaland, Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka (both Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) and Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United) have been nominated for best player of the current season.
De Bruyne won the award last season and in 2019/20. In between, Manchester City defender Rúben Dias lifted the trophy into the air. Virgil van Dijk was the last to receive the award as a non-Citizen in 2019. He became the second Dutchman to receive the award after Ruud van Nistelroy (in 2003 as a Manchester United striker).
Manager of the Season
The names that qualify for Manager of the Season have also been announced. Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola crosses swords with Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Eddie Howe (Newcastle United), Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton & Hove Albion), Unai Emery (Aston Villa) and Marco Silva (Fulham).
Buffon ranks Serie A keepers among the five best goalkeepers in the world
Gianluigi Buffon gives very high praise to the two goalkeepers who defended AC Milan and Internazionale goals on Tuesday: Mike Maignan and André Onana.
The 45-year-old legendary goalkeeper, who himself is still under the bar at Parma in Serie B, explains to La Gazzetta dello Sport what makes his colleagues from Serie A so good. He said, “Maignan already showed what he could do last year. It is absolutely no surprise that he makes such spectacular saves.”
“Onana made it clear from the start that he has broad shoulders. As Inter’s shirt has a certain weight,” Buffon continued. “Furthermore, it is not nothing to have competition from Samir Handanovic. I don’t think I’m saying too much about both athletes. When I say that they are both currently among the top five goalkeepers in the world.”
Buffon was preparing with Parma for the last game of the regular season. Which took place against Venezia on Friday evening. After that, the veteran will enter the playoffs to compete for a spot in Serie A.
