Neville picked Bruno Fernandes, saying he merited the award more having drawn level on Premier League assists with De Bruyne and Henry
By Kehinde Okeowo
British pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have disagreed on who should win the English Premier League (EPL) Player of the Season award.
The duo revealed their choices while speaking on the final ‘Monday Night Football’ of the 2025/2026 season.
While Neville, a Manchester United legend, settled for his former club’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, former Liverpool defender Carragher went for Arsenal midfielder, Declan Rice.
According to the former Red Devils defender, the Portuguese playmaker deserved the award more having drawn level on Premier League assists with Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry.
ALSO READ: Arsenal edge closer to first EPL title in 22 years after 1-0 win over Burnley
“I could say Declan Rice, Gabriel, Bernardo Silva, but Bruno getting level on Premier League assists with Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry puts him in the very best company in terms of what the Premier League has to offer creativity.
“Bruno deserves it for playing and persisting in a struggling team for half the season,” Neville said.
Carragher, however, differed, saying Fernandes plays in matches without much “jeopardy” and added that Rice is the Gunners’ “driving force”.
He argued: “I am a huge fan of Fernandes, but you are picking a player whose games have not had any real jeopardy. I would go with Declan Rice.
“He was outstanding in the Champions League semi-finals against Atletico Madrid. He’s been a driving force for Arsenal.”
