Renowned football analyst Gary Neville shares his perspective after seeing the six Premier League players nominated for the 2025-26 PFA Player of the Year Award.
On 5 June 2026, Gary Neville, a well-known football analyst, shared his views after seeing the six Premier League players nominated for the 2025-26 PFA Player of the Year Award. The nominees include Bruno Fernandes, midfielder and captain of Manchester United, Erling Braut Haaland, forward, Gabriel, defender of Arsenal, Declan Rice, midfielder of Arsenal, David Raya, goalkeeper of Arsenal, and Ryan Gravenberch, attacking player of Manchester City.
Gary Neville said, "I've seen the list of PFA Player of the Year nominees, and honestly, this is one of the most interesting competitions in years. When you look at names like Erling Braut Haaland, Declan Rice, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel, David Raya, and even Ryan Gravenberch, you're talking about completely different roles, different responsibilities, and different impacts on the game. And that's what makes it difficult."
"Many people often think this award is just about the number of goals, but that's not the case. It's about influence. It's about who can change the game each week at the most crucial moments. For example, Erling Braut Haaland is always in the spotlight because of the goals he scores. That's what he does. He decides games in seconds. You can't overlook that."
"But when you look at someone like Declan Rice, you realize the entire Arsenal structure is built around him. Without him, performance wouldn't be the same because he has leadership. Bruno Fernandes is another one. He carries the burden of Manchester United during tough times. Even though the team isn't perfect, he manages to create something."
"Gabriel has performed excellently in defense. People often don't give defenders enough credit, but keeping clean sheets leads to championships. It's that simple. Then there's David Raya, who influences Arsenal's play from the back. Confidence in the goalkeeper position is more important than many realize. Ryan Gravenberch is a very talented player. He is the type who can turn a game around with just one moment of brilliance."
"If I had to sum it up, I would always say the Player of the Year should be someone who makes you say that when he doesn’t play, everything changes. And that’s why the debate is so close this season. There’s no clear answer, and that usually means the football is really good."