The Soccer Saturday awards

Who provided the best players, goals and moments from the 2015/16 Premier League season?

The Soccer Saturday panel – Matt Le Tissier, Paul Merson, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas – have followed the campaign each week, so we asked them to dish out some season awards.

Here’s who the panel rate as the biggest stars of the season and their most sensational moments both on the pitch and in the studio…

PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Charlie votes: I’m going with Riyad Mahrez because of his priceless ability to win games with moments of sheer brilliance.

Jamie Vardy’s goals have obviously been important but when you consider all but four of Mahrez’s 17 goals have come away from home he’s really delivered when his team need him.

Thommo votes: I’m going for Jamie Vardy. I’m glad he won the Football Writers’ Award because both he and Mahrez deserve recognition for their contributions to the most remarkable of achievements.

Le Tiss votes: I’ve actually gone for a man who didn’t even make the PFA shortlist in Toby Alderweireld. He was the most important factor in turning Tottenham from a side which have always struggled defensively in the past to having the best in the league until their final-day collapse.

Merse votes: It’s got to be Riyad Mahrez. There are a few other contenders but Mahrez made things happen for Leicester this season at crucial times.

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Charlie votes: It obviously pains me to say it, but I’ve got to pick Dele Alli. To make the impact he has at such a young age, coming up from League 1, is remarkable. Spurs’ results since he’s been banned, which have pained me less, show just how important he is to them.

Thommo votes: It has to be Dele Alli for me. Harry Kane could come into it but Alli is the newcomer and he deserves recognition for making the step up.

Le Tiss votes: I’m going for Harry Kane. Alli runs him pretty close but Kane’s goals have made Tottenham into title contenders, for much of the season anyway.

Merse votes: It’s Dele Alli for me. He has been outstanding, he has looked like a top player in his first season in the Premier League. He came up from League 1, which is difficult, but he settled quicker than snow. 

MANAGER OF THE SEASON

Charlie votes: It can’t be anyone other than Claudio Ranieri. The Godfather, the Tinkerman, the Thinkerman!

Thommo votes: No brainer, Claudio Ranieri. He’s motivated the team to the very end and taken the pressure off the players with the way he’s handled press conferences. 

Le Tiss votes: It can’t be anyone other than Claudio Ranieri. Yes, there have been a few that have done very well but nothing compares to what he’s done. Honourable mentions go to Mauricio Pochettino, Slaven Bilic and Ronald Koeman and maybe even Quique Sanchez Flores.

Merse votes: Nobody else but Claudio Ranieri in the Premier League. Otherwise I’d go …

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