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Why each PFA POTY nominee should and shouldn't win the award

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Following Saturday's unveiling of the 2018-19 PFA Player of the Year award nominees, theScore assesses the arguments for and against each potential winner.

Virgil van Dijk

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Why he should win: Before Van Dijk joined Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp's side conceded 107 times in 90 league matches. Since the Dutchman arrived at Anfield, the Reds have allowed only 33 goals in 50 games. He's an imperious leader and deservedly dubbed one of the world's best center-halves.

Why he shouldn't win: Defending is a collective effort. The emergence of Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold continuing to improve, and the £56-million swoop for goalkeeper Alisson have also strengthened the Reds' rearguard. Van Dijk hasn't done it on his own.

Raheem Sterling

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Why he should win: It feels like Sterling enhances another element of his game each time he plays. In City's crucial win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, the 24-year-old's tracking back and ability to draw fouls was first rate, proving he's much more than a fearsome wideman with 17 goals and nine assists in the Premier League.

Why he shouldn't win: Sometimes he tries to do too much, as Sterling is dispossessed more than any other Manchester City player. He's still guilty of squandering opportunities from inviting positions.

Sadio Mane

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Why he should win: Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino have dealt with dry spells this season for Liverpool, but Mane's longest streak without a goal or an assist is just two matches since October. He's also comfortably produced more tackles and interceptions than all of his attacking colleagues. He's always contributing.

Why he shouldn't win: Mane's greatest performances have been in the Champions League, as he's scored in every knockout round since making his debut in the competition last season. One of his best showings this season came during March's brace against Bayern Munich. This award is supposed to be based on domestic performances.

Sergio Aguero

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Why he should win: Aguero is easily one of the best strikers of the Premier League era, but he's been named to a PFA Team of the Year just once. The Argentine has scored 19 goals and assisted eight times in 29 top-flight outings this season, and he's contributing to many more facets of play under Pep Guardiola.

Why he shouldn't win: He's rarely an obvious standout player in Guardiola's stacked XIs, and Aguero was notably ineffective during costly defeats to Crystal Palace and Leicester City.

Eden Hazard

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Why he should win: Hazard has shone amid the usual disquiet at Chelsea. An ever-changing attacking cast at Stamford Bridge supports the Belgian, but he's still recorded 16 goals and 12 assists across 33 Premier League appearances. No wonder Real Madrid are constantly rumored to be chasing a pricey transfer for the 28-year-old.

Why he shouldn't win: Hazard played well as a false nine, but his complaints about the role triggered questions over his attitude and tactical versatility. He's also fronting a team that's disappointed for large chunks of the campaign.

Bernardo Silva

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Why he should win: Silva made more substitute appearances than starts in the league last season, but now he's established himself as one of the top picks in the first XI this term. He's capable of playing on the flank or in the middle, and his energy allows him to cover incomprehensible amounts of ground.

Why he shouldn't win: Other City players have flown under the radar while arguably being just as effective. Aymeric Laporte has been seamless at the back aside from his two midweek errors against Spurs, Oleksandr Zinchenko is becoming a cult hero, and Ilkay Gundogan can dictate matches from midfield.

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