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17.04.2007 Football News

Drogba, Ronaldo Head PFA List

17.04.2007 LISTEN
By Daily Graphic

African player of the Year and Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo top the nomination list for the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year award.

United's Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are also contenders, as well as Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas being in the frame.

Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo and Fabregas are also up for the young player award.

Tottenham's Aaron Lennon, Kevin Doyle of Reading and Manchester City's Micah Richards join them on the list.

The voting takes place among the country's players and has already been completed, with the results to be announced on April 22.

Striker Drogba has scored 30 goals this season and has helped Chelsea to maintain their challenge for a historic Quadruple.

He has already helped Chelsea win the Carling Cup and they are still in the hunt for the Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League.

"Didier has, arguably, been Chelsea's best and most consistent performer this season - no mean achievement when he is playing alongside so many top-class players at Stamford Bridge," said PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor.

Ronaldo, 22, is currently being acclaimed as the world's best player in some quarters and the winger has 21 goals for Premiership leaders Manchester United.

"Cristiano is the most exciting player in the country at the moment - the quickness of his feet and the skills he possesses make you think, at times, that he is from another planet," added Taylor.

Manchester United are chasing another Treble and are vying for the league title and FA Cup with Chelsea, while the clubs could also meet in the Champions League final.

Midfielders Scholes, 32, and Giggs, 33, have also been influential players for United during the current campaign.

Arsenal have struggled this season but Fabregas, 19, has continued to improve.

Gerrard won the award in 2006 and has had another influential season for Liverpool as he tries to lead the Anfield side to another Champions League success.

Credit — BBC

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