Ex-Liverpool forward John Barnes believes that there are no ‘outstanding candidates’ for the 2023/24 Premier League player of the year award – but thinks that Manchester City superstar Phil Foden ‘could’ win the coveted prize.

He isn’t the only one who Barnes thinks could win it – he also mentioned Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins, both of whom have registered 29 goal contributions this season in England’s top division.

Meanwhile, he also says that no one stands out at either Arsenal or Liverpool this season, despite players such as Mohamed Salah and Declan Rice both leading excellent individual campaigns this season?

Who does John Barnes think should win the 2023/24 Premier League player of the year award?

Speaking to Genting Casino, Barnes mused: “It was a no brainer last year to award Erling Haaland with the individual accolades after what he achieved in his first season, then you had De Bruyne the year before. In both cases, those players were head and shoulders above anyone else.

“I’m not into individuals, when I won those Player of the Year Awards, the most important thing was always the team – I don’t think there are any outstanding candidates this year. You could say Phil Foden at Manchester City. Maybe Erling Haaland again because he is the top score in the league at the moment.

“There aren’t really any outstanding candidates at Arsenal or Liverpool, so Phil Foden is one name in the frame. I also think that Ollie Watkins should be in the conversation given the season he is having for Aston Villa.

“Cole Palmer, from an individual perspective, he has done really well, but his club are languishing in mid-table. He has been outstanding for his club, but does he deserve the individual award given Chelsea’s form? I’m not so sure. I think Phil Foden is probably the main candidate.”