After what has been a sensational season, almost every play who played their part could be up for this award but only one of them can win it. I have whittled the list down to the six players who have stood out the most.
First of all, I would like to point out that it seems strange Julian Speroni not being on the shortlist but we’ve had many players stand out this season, I’m sure like me you are delighted with the possibility that Jules could be in between the sticks once again next season.
James McArthur
What a terrific first season for the Scot, McArthur will certainly never be remembered as an all time great for his technical ability but his hassle and constant impact on games this season have proved his worth. After being signed in the summer, Jimmy has become an essential cog in the Palace structure, the busy midfielder has made 31 appearances this season and I don’t think I can remember a bad showing from him. It will be a tough fight in his position next season, If the centre midfielder could add a couple of goals and assists to his game he’d have no issues about getting in Alan Pardew’s starting 11.
Scott Dann
The consistent outstanding form of Scott Dann has been incredible; he could make any player that alongside him look equally good. Dann doesn’t get the credit he deserves for his technical ability and the form shown by the defender surely proves he deserves an international call up. This season he has saved us so many times and even added goals to his game by hitting the net four times. I can only think of one mistake that he has made this season, not bad going for a central defender. I think we will struggle to hold onto him this summer; a new contract could be on the cards.
Jason Puncheon
I don’t think many players in the Palace squad get close to Punch in terms of technical ability and his form since the turn of the year has been essential in our mid table finish. Puncheon played a huge part in keeping us up last season with his goals from out wide and he’s had a massive impact once again this season. It didn’t start particularly well for Puncheon this season due to his strained relationship with Neil Warnock but his season was revived with the new gaffer and the introduction of a more central position. Puncheon hasn’t been consistent all season and is a player that splits opinions but nobody can knock his form after Christmas.
Joe Ledley
The Wales international was brought in last season as part of the Tony Pulis revival and made an instant impression at Selhurst Park, the midfielders stock has continued to rise this season. Last season, Ledley built quite a rapport with Mile Jedinak and that relationship continued at the start of the season. After Jedi departed to the Asia Cup it was up to Joe Ledley to step up into the defensive midfield role and he took it by storm – Ledders took responsibility in the midfield and arguably this season we were better with him in there than with Jedinak.
Yannick Bolasie
Much like the rest of the squad the season started extremely slowly for Yannick – at times he was the only bright spark in what was a very drab period. Yala struggled to find his consistent form of last season, he showed glimpses under the Warnock era but wasn’t the same player. Since returning from the African Cup of Nations, Bolasie has showed his worth and looks like a world beater. Since then he has added goals and assists to his game and appears an all round a lot more of a mature player.
Glenn Murray
We all know the love I have for Glenn Murray so this article was never not going to mention him. The impact of Murray after Christmas has been quite remarkable, after being shipped out by former manager Neil Warnock, Pardew gave Muzza the chance he deserved and he repaid the gaffer with some crucial goals. It seems mad having a player who only played half a season as a contender for the player of the season award but the goals he scored have arguably been the difference in us staying up and going down. Scoring goals for Palace Glenn Murray, legend.
My choice – Scott Dann
It wasn’t an easy choice but I think out of the group of players he has been the most consistent throughout the whole season under both regimes of managers.
What a couple of amazing years it’s been for Scott Dann. He has walked into the team and looks as if he has been playing for us for 10 years. You can see why Dann has captained every team he’s played for because his character and leadership both on and off the pitch has been a joy behold and without him I genuinely think we would have been in a dogfight in the previous two seasons. I hope under the new stewardship of Pardew the Palace spine can be retained as I think most people would agree its been essential in our success. Dann is a major core in the side and hope he can see out his career with us.
