AT the request of you guys, we got Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) to take a look at the PFA Player Of The Year odds.
PFA Player Of The Year | 16th May 2015
This betting market has definitely been trending over the last few weeks. In fact, a few of you have been asking our view, so I thought I’d take a quick look.
The reason it’s hitting the wires is of course due to the exploits of one Harry Kane. The 21 year old Tottenham player has ripped up the rule book, set it on fire and danced round the flames. Man, what a story!
According to the betting, he’s locked in a battle with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard for the coveted award. The brilliant Hazard is 11/10 with 888 Sport with Kane 5/2 best price with Paddy Power. Alexis Sanchez is next in the betting at 14/1, so this looks to have a two-man shape about it.
Now if you’re asking me, it’s a no-brainer. It’s Kane all day, Harry’s season has been the stuff of fairytales. Illogical, unfathomable, hilarious with a thick line of WTF running right through it.
You’ll be aware of Kane’s inauspicious beginnings, but let’s just go through his last 12 months again.He made his first start for Tottenham in April of last year and ended the season well with three goals.
Benched in the first few months of this season in the Premier League, the Europa League was where he made hay. Seven goals in nine appearances were the reason he forced his way into Spurs’ Premier League side. But it’s worth remembering that didn’t come till November.
As I type on the last day of March, he sits top of the Premier League goalscoring charts along with Diego Costa on 19 goals. He also registered his first England senior goal seconds after he left the bench in their Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania. Call the cops, this is absurd!
While Eden Hazard has been a constant star in the (almost certain) title-wining Chelsea side, this is different gravy. So why is Hazard odds on? I think it might be to do with the fact he’s associated with the likely title winners and that Kane is odds on to win Young Player Of The Year.
Indeed the latter reason is a strong one going against Kane. The players may feel that giving him the Young Player award will be sufficient reward and the title winning Hazard can take the major spoils. I’m not convinced though.
Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo have done the Player/Young Player double in recent years. Indeed Bale won the main award in 2011 but lost the Young trophy to Jack Wilshere. With Kane as short as 1/12 for that award you may want to look for other options.
Sifting through previous winners it’s also fair to say that Chelsea players don’t thrive in these votes. Hmmm, wonder why? John Terry’s (cough) win in 2005 is the only time the London club have scooped this award despite their dominance in the Abramovich era. You may wish to dismiss this point though as Hazard seems a player admired and respected throughout the league. Can’t argue with that.
Another huge factor in Kane’s favour is the fact that the votes are cast in March. Ask yourself which football player has grabbed the most headlines in March and you’ll answer Harry Kane.
Summing up, I think there are a lot of reasons to suggest that 5/2 on Harry Kane winning PFA Player Of The Year is a smart bet. Back it. Do it for the romantic in you. Do it for the kids playing in your local park. Do it for all that good is life!
Best Bets
PFA Player Of The Year – Harry Kane to win (5/2 Paddy Power)
Your View
It’s a hot topic, so we need your view. Are you with Chris here? Is Harry Kane the obvious choice? Or is Chris losing his grip on reality?
Let us know below in the comments box.
TOPICS English Football Tips Football Premier League Tips
