Jamie Carragher gives a solid choice for his player of the year

A worthy winner?

Jamie Carragher has opted for Riyad Mahrez for player of the year. The Leicester City maestro is up for the PFA award alongside teammates Jamie Vardy and N’Golo Kante, with Dimitri Payet, Mesut Ozil and Harry Kane completing the shortlist.

While Carragher recognises the merits of the other players up for the award, he feels Mahrez’s goals and assists, which have led Leicester to the verge of the league title, mean he deserves the award.

‘Whether it is Tottenham’s Harry Kane, Dimitri Payet of West Ham or Leicester’s three amigos Jamie Vardy, N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez, they have been nominated for taking their clubs to the brink of history,’ Carragher writes in his Daily Mail column.‘Kane’s goals have put Tottenham in contention to win their first title since 1961, Leicester’s story has been well told and Payet’s brilliance means West Ham are in the hunt for a Champions League place,’ he continues.

‘If Tottenham win the league and West Ham finish in the top four, the two achievements would be comparable.

“I’ve never hidden my admiration for Kane and Payet but I think — and hope — the award goes to Mahrez, whose 16 goals (12 away from home) and 11 assists have left Leicester three wins from being crowned champions.”

It’s difficult to argue against Carragher’s choice, even though his Sky Sports’ colleague Graeme Souness couldn’t find a place for Mahrez in his team of the season.