Player of the year - who missed out

As the PFA player of the year shortlist is announced we look at the best of the rest, and who should have made the cut...

Frank Lampard, Chelsea

The centre-midfielder has been Chelsea's player of the season. Excellent under both Scolari and Hiddink, the England man has played every single game, scoring twelve goals in the process to prove his class. Lampard has also been equally effective for his country, and is back to his masterful best.

Xabi Alonso, Liverpool

Rafael Benitez must be thanking his lucky stars that the Gareth Barry deal fell through last summer and Alonso remained at Liverpool. The Spaniard has dominated in midfield this season and is still the best passer of the ball in the Premier League. His presence in the centre of the park has allowed Gerrard to effectively play as a second striker. When Alonso hasn't played, Liverpool have struggled.

Tim Cahill, Everton

The Australian has had another top season at Goodison Park, and is probably the best midfielder outside the top four. As an attacking option he is even more dangerous than his goal celebrations, scoring one in three during this campaign. If the award went to best in the air, there would surely only be one winner.

Brede Hangeland, Fulham

Hangeland has been a titan at the back for Fulham. The big Norwegian has organised the defence and (along with Mark Schwarzer) has been one of the reasons Fulham have kept so many clean sheets – 11 in the league. If Roy Hodgson can hold on to him, then Hangeland could well become a Fulham legend.

Matthew Upson, West Ham

Upson's assured defensive performances have kept Gianfranco Zola's side in the top half of the table. The centre-half has been solid as a rock; playing with all the strength, maturity and consistency that he has promised for so long. So good in fact that he has played himself into the England squad.

PFA player of the season shortlist:

Steven Gerrard, Liverpool
Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United
Ryan Giggs, Manchester United
Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United
Edwin van der Sar, Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United