Carlos Tevez (aged 26)
Games 28 (2)
Goals 22
Assists 7
The Argentinian striker has easily eclipsed his previous goalscoring recored this year and has matched his best assist total. It seems likely he’ll add to those totals during Manchester City’s race for fourth
Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Didier Drogba (aged 32)
Games 27 (1)
Goals 25
Assists 8
Drogba is one of the players opposing defenders least like to face. His goalscoring record and physical play certainly demand respect. The Chelsea forward has added vital assists to his goal tally this year. Despite his obvious talent, he remains an outsider for the award this year
Photograph: Tom Jenkins
Games 29
Goals 26
Assists 4
Rooney, who has won the young player award twice before, has been on scintillating form this season. His recent absence due to injury has removed any doubts there might have been about how vital he is to Manchester United
Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images
Cesc Fábregas (aged 22)
Games 26 (1)
Goals 15
Assists 13
Like Rooney, Fábregas is a past winner of the young player award but is still seeking his first Player of the Year accolade. Also like Rooney, a recent absence has confirmed his importance to his side. Before succumbing to injury in the Champions League quarter-final, Fábregas scored 15 goals and contributed many assists
Photograph: Eddie Keogh/Reuters
James Milner (aged 24)
Games 31
Goals 5
Assists 12
The versatile midfielder has been declared one for England’s future and he has helped Aston Villa stay in the chase for the Champions League. Although Milner’s stats aren’t the most impressive in the shortlist, few will argue against his place among the nominees
Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Joe Hart (aged 22)
Games 32
Clean sheets 9
Goals conceded per game 1.22
Alex McLeish continues to cross his fingers and hope Hart won’t depart Birmingham at the end of the season and understandably so. Hart has made 118 saves in 32 games (more than three and a half per game). McLeish hasn’t been the only one convinced of his skill this season, with a place in England's World Cup squad within Hart's grasp
Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
