EPL: 10 Candidates for Player of the Year

It's that time of the season. 

There are a little over 10 games left on the EPL schedule and the overall structure of a league begins to become defined. Teams either fade away or grow stronger. It is really is survival of the fittest, at both ends of the table.

As we enter this period, we can also look at some of the outstanding players that have shone throughout the season. Player's that may deserve a Player of the Year shout.

Although I am of the opinion that every Player of the Year award should be given to the league/tournament's champion's most influential player, there is also a case for giving it to an individual who has had monumental effect on his team, i.e, Scott Parker at West Ham last season.

Here are 10 players that have a chance at the Player of the Year award.

Vincent Kompany has been an outstanding leader for Manchester City on and off the pitch.

He has combined a professional work ethic, a natural defensive ability and great physical presence to take command of an already accomplished City defence.

Together with Joleon Lescott, Kompany has provided a strong base which allows great attacking players such as David Silva to express themselves freely. 

While his goal-scoring is not up there with Robin Van Persie or Wayne Rooney, there is no doubt about Demba Ba's contribution to Newcastle's brilliant season.

His 16 goals have been vital in Newcastle's resurgence in the Premier League and will no doubt have many suitors in the summer transfer window.

A funny character off the pitch, Ba has no doubt gone from journeyman to premier striker. 

A welcome addition to an aging Chelsea squad, Juan Mata's skill and intelligence has given the fans at Stamford Bridge something to shout about.

Third in the assists leader's table with 10, he has been vital in Chelsea's push for a Champions League place.

One must think if Chelsea had of snatched Modric from Tottenham in the summer, Mata and Modric would be a magical pair. 

Apparently King has absolutely no cartilage in between his knees, so it is quite surprising that he has performed so well this term.

He has been a rock at the heart of the Spurs defence throughout and his fatigued performances of late have coincided would poor results.

A fully fit Ledley King is one of the best defenders in the world.

It's a shame he never has been fully fit. 

A brilliant defender, in my opinion, Micah Richards is a true and honest player who puts his heart and soul into every challenge.

Sometimes rash in his positioning and tackling, he makes up for it with physical attributes that are second to none.

Every team needs a Richards-type player.

A player that goes above and beyond the call of duty for the team.

Although he has been at Fulham since 2010, Dembele has only burst onto the scene recently.

He has been at the heart of everything good that has happened at Fulham this season and has become an integral player in Martin Jol's side.

Quite like Mesut Ozil, he can play behind the front man and out wide. Although he has played a deeper role recently for Fulham, excelling in pulling the strings with his marvelous left foot.

Silva has struggled in the second half of the season, but his performances before Christmas warrant him to be included in this list.

He was head and shoulders above every other player during this period, showing real class and flair as he unlocked many a defence.

He was the key player as City began their title run and would surely be a shoo-in for the Player of the Year if he had continued his great form.

A great performance in the 6-1 Manchester Derby win is a highlight moment for the Spaniard.  

If the decision were up to me, Joe Hart would be the Player of the Year.

Consistently keeping Manchester City in games and turning games around with magnificent saves, Hart is probably the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment.

A brilliant personality and a larger than life figure, the England starter will possibly be the difference between City winning or losing the league. 

Even as a huge United fan, I can safely say Manchester United would not be half the team if Rooney was not in the team.

God knows what would have happened had he left last year.

But we cannot dispute that the Liverpudlian has had a very good season, not his best but very good. 

It is not only his goal-scoring which has him on this list but his leadership and determination.

He scores when it matters most and is a big-game player.

United's biggest player. 

When a team is down and out, great players step up.

This is exactly what Van Persie did.

Arsenal were in disarray. They had conceded eight to Man United, they were down the table and Wenger had calls to be sacked put against him.

Up stepped RVP.

Nearly 30 goals in less then 30 games. What more needs to be said?

The probable recipient of the Player of the Year award.