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Published 11:25 IST, January 2nd 2024

Manchester United legend shares insights on Premier League Player of the Season contenders

The Premier League at its halfway mark presents an intense race for Player of the Season, with United legend backing the star midfielder.

Reported by: Aryan Suraj Chadha
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Manchester United | Image: AP
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The Premier League season is halfway there, and players and teams will be pulling up their socks and making the most out of the remaining fixtures. The race for POTT is also an interesting one, with many star players competing for the Player of the Season Award. Manchester United legend and renowned pundit Rio Ferdinand has picked the player that has impressed him the most this season. The following star is neither from United or Manchester City. 

3 things you need to know 

  • Liverpool is at the top of the Premier League table with 45 points
  • Aston Villa holds ‌second place, followed by Manchester City and Arsenal 
  • Rio Ferdinand picks his Player of the Season contender 

Also Read: Salah scores 2 as Liverpool beats Newcastle

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Who is the most favourite player to win the EPL POTT, according to Rio Ferdinand?

 Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has emerged as one of the Premier League's top performers thus far this season, according to Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand.

In a debate on TNT Sports, Ferdinand observed that Rice's exceptional achievements are demonstrated by the lack of conversation surrounding his huge £100 million price tag. With a reported £105 million deal from West Ham United, Rice became the most expensive English footballer in history when Arsenal signed him in the summer of 2023. Ferdinand's recognition highlights the midfielder's contribution on the pitch, casting aside the significance of his high transfer cost. According to TBR Football, Rio Ferdinand said:  

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“I can’t go too far away from Declan. The difference he has made, is there anyone else who has made as big an impact with the pricetag as well, that £100m, how many of us in the media or at home talk about it being big money or a big pricetag, nobody mentions it, and that’s a testament to how good he is.”

Also Read: Man United decide not to trigger Varane's contract

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How has the Arsenal star performed in the Premier League so far?

Declan Rice has been an important player for Arsenal this season, appearing in 20 league games. During this time, he has scored three essential goals and provided one assist. Rice, who plays as a holding midfielder under Mikel Arteta's system, is an important link between midfield and defence.

Despite Arsenal's recent struggles, with three defeats in their previous five games, Rice's impact on the club remains unwavering. The Gunners are 5 points out of the top of the league, and Rice's substantial performances have played a critical role so far, and he will look to close gap and eye to lead Arsenal to some glory this season.

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11:25 IST, January 2nd 2024