Water Cooler Debates - Premier League Player of the Season

You know what it's like at the office. You spend far too much time talking about what you watched on TV last night, or in our case, the big sports stories.

With the Premier League drawing to a close I decided to head to the communication hub of the office, the water cooler, and find out who people think deserves to win the Premier League's Player of the Year Award.

Sergio Aguero, Manchester City

Sergio Aguero has had a hand in 26 goals (19 goals, 7 assists) in the Premier League this season, only one player has had a hand in more and that's Eden Hazard with 28. Hazard though has only scored 1 goal in the so called big games and that was back in September against Liverpool.

Sergio Aguero has 8 and that includes hat tricks against both Arsenal and Chelsea. Aguero is so consistent that most of what he does goes under the radar having not been in the player of the year shortlist since 2012! With City still going for a potential quadruple, it's surely time for his efforts to be recognised.

Name: CharlieRole: Twitter link/Playbuzz embed fixer

Bernardo Silva, Manchester City

Bernardo is poised to succeed his legendary namesake, David Silva, as City’s MVS. The Portuguese’s rise shouldn’t be a total shock; last season, he played more minutes in the Premier League than any other player as one of the best sides in the competitions history became the first to surpass 100 points. This season, however, what he brings to this side – and what they miss when he’s out – has become much more tangible.

He will at least double last season’s tally of four assists – having already matched his 17/18 goal return with five games to play - and Guardiola, a coach who has always tempered egos, branded him ‘undroppable’ last month. He resurrected the quadruple with the first goal at Swansea in a 3-2 comeback, while his keenly-felt absence at Tottenham has put it at risk again. He’s a class act, and will only get better – sign him up, Poch.

Name: PeteRole: PR Supremo

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool

There’s one man, and one man only that should be considered for the Premier League Player of the Year. He’s a 6-foot-four behemoth with billowing black hair and wears number four for Liverpool.

Virgil van Dijk has been instrumental in the assurance we’ve see with Jürgen Klopp’s side this season, and imperious in the heart of the defence.

Yes, Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Sadio Mane and Sergio Aguero can all be considered, but the impact van Dijk has had on the Reds cannot be overlooked.

Name: CallumRole: Gym enthusiast

Ben Foster, Watford

36 year old Ben Foster has been a complete revelation at Watford this season. The streaky Hornets, third favourites for the drop before a ball was kicked, have marched into top 7 contention under Javi Gracia with the 36 year olds consistency and aptitude a major factor in maintaining their form.

Foster has been ever-present in the league for Gracia behind an ageing defence, with more high claims and sweeper clearances than ball playing Ederson, zero errors leading to goals and 106 saves (tied 3rd with David De Gea). He's a model professional at a ripe age and his performances make him a worthy contender for the shake up in PFA Player of the Year.

Name: AlexRole: Racing expert

Raheem Sterling, Man City

Being footballer of the year is about two things. It's about being the best player on the pitch and about elevating the game.

Sterling has been exceptional on the field, he's scored 15 Premier League goals this season, in just 28 games. In addition to that he has assisted 11 more. He's been the main benefactor of Pep Guardiola's arrival in Manchester and has flourished from potential to a legitimate world class talent.

He's also become an important symbol in British soccer away from the pitch, becoming vocal about racism within the game, both from fans and within the media.

Man City are the best team in the league and Sterling is their most dangerous and most exciting talent. He's my footballer of the year.

Name: SamRole: Bad Footballer

So there we go, that's what the Oddschecker offices think, but how about you? Cast your vote below.