Robbie Savage says Patrick Bamford's form this season means he should be in with a chance of winning the Player of the Year award.
The 27-year-old has scored 11 goals in 21 Premier League appearances so far this season, making the most of the first prolonged spell of games he has received in the top flight in his career.
Bamford's total is the joint-third highest in the Premier League this season and his goals have been a crucial factor to Leeds United's positive first half of the season.
Speaking to William Hill, Savage said Bamford deserves to be in the conversation when it comes to who the player of the season so far.
Yet, ultimately, the outspoken pundit said Ruben Dias' transformative impact on Man City's defence means the centre-back must win the award instead.
Savage said: "I think there have been some outstanding performances. I think Jack Grealish has been fantastic.
"Patrick Bamford has been wonderful. He's never really had the opportunity on a consistent basis in the Premier League.
"In his first consistent season, he's been magnificent.
"Bruno Fernandes has been incredible, but the player I'm going to go for, because of his impact on the team, is Ruben Dias, magnificent.
"John Stones, not far behind, but I think Ruben Dias' signing has enabled City to keep that many clean sheets, improving players around him, and they'll go on to win the title because of their defensive qualities.
"So I'm going to say Ruben Dias but mentions for Bamford, Grealish, Fernandes, Wesley Fofana at Leicester has been great."
