Premier League 2021-22 review: players of the season

In curling his first goal of the season beyond the outstretched arm of the Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul, Salah became the first player to score in the opening game of five consecutive Premier League campaigns. At the time he could have had no idea that, on the final day of the campaign, Liverpool would have already won two domestic cups, booked their place in the Champions League final and still be in contention for the title.

Recently voted the Football Writers’ Association player of the season for a second time, the Egyptian has again been pivotal in his side’s successes and celebrated his 100th goal for Liverpool in September, achieving his century in fewer top-flight games than any player in the club’s history. That was just another of numerous personal goalscoring milestones the Egyptian would record in a season that concluded with him sharing the Golden Boot. Salah’s consistency is all the more impressive given that his future at Liverpool remains uncertain and he has yet to agree to extend a contract that expires at the end of next season. He has said he wants to stay at the club and fans will be hoping the hierarchy acquiesce to his financial demands.

One of any numberof Manchester City players who could have been included on this shortlist, Silva agitated for a move last summer, stating he wanted to be closer to his family after the isolation of lockdown. While City would have almost certainly coped, they must be delighted there were no acceptable bids. Silva has had a phenomenal season, scoring in league wins over seven different sides, while providing four assists and creating double the number of “big chances” that went untaken.

Capable of playing either side or in the middle, Silva is a wonderful dribbler and