Salah, Fernandes and seven more stars fighting for Fans' Footballer of the Year

It is that time of year again where we ask the fans to vote for their Reach PLC Fans' Footballer of the Year award from the shortlist selected by our football writers.

Mohammed Salah claimed the award last year but after Manchester City won the 2020/21 Premier League title, he is up against a trio from the Etihad who are keen to take his trophy.

The three stars from last season's champions are joined by a trio of Chelsea players following their Champions League triumph, an Anfield rival and one apiece from West Ham and Manchester United.

With 2021 being one of the most interesting years in the Premier League, it's down to our thousands of readers to vote for their favourite.

Here's a look at the top contenders...

Mohammed Salah

Last year's winner, Salah has been in red hot form at the start of the current campaign with world-class virtuoso goals against both Manchester City and Watford leading to pundits - notably Jamie Carragher - hailing the Liverpool star as the world's best player.

The forward lifted the trophy last year but he faces stiff competition this time around.

Ruben Dias

The Portugal international defender has been an absolute monster at the heart of Manchester City's defence since arriving at the start of last season.

After helping the current Premier League champions to 19 clean sheets he took home the FWA Footballer of the Year award back in May, and has been hugely impressive once more this term.

Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United may have had a hard start to the new campaign but Bruno Fernandes has undoubtedly been their star man over the past 12 months.

Hhis 18 goals and 14 assists last term made him the most prolific scorer at Old Trafford as he dragged then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side to a second place Premier League finish and the Europa League Final.

Jorginho

The Chelsea midfielder came third in this year's Ballon d'Or but Blues fans would probably have placed him first after his understated contribution to the Premier League leaders during 2021.

Played a key role in his club's Champions League triumph and Italy's Euro 2020 success, and is very much a key component of Thomas Tuchel's side.

Edouard Mendy

The goalkeeper's assured performances have been absolutely vital to Chelsea's successes in 2021 and his signing last August has been nothing short of a masterstroke.

In just 62 games for the Blues he has already kept a quite ridiculous 36 clean sheets, including 11 in 18 this term already.

Mason Mount

Homegrown midfielder Mount has been a star for both club and country this year, an integral part of Chelsea's Euro triumph and England's run to the Euros final.

Scored his first professional hat-trick this season in Chelsea's 7-0 thrashing of Norwich.

Kevin de Bruyne

Injuries may have affected Manchester City's midfield maestro over the past year but when he is on the pitch, he remains Guardiola's main man.

The Citizens won the league with a 12-point lead last year and De Bruyne's six goals and 12 assists was crucial to that. In their bid to finally win the Champions League, keeping him fit will be vital.

Declan Rice

West Ham have a long history of providing superstars for the England team and Declan Rice is the latest.

The midfielder has matured into the Hammers' Captain Fantastic, with his standout performances leading the Londoners to their highest Premier League finish and into the Europa League.

Phil Foden

England's newest superstar has shown why Guardiola rates him so highly and is now thriving at the Etihad.

Guardiola's softly-softly approach earlier in his career has paid dividends and Foden, with 77 league appearances and 18 goals to his name, is fast becoming the focal point of City's frightening attack.

Know who your Fans Footballer of the Year is? Let us know in the comments and make sure to vote at: fansfootballeroftheyear.co.uk