Full-time Fletch... on the players of the year

Jamie Vardy, Leicester City​

His success should give every footballer outside of the Premier League hope that if you work hard enough, you get the rewards. It’s been a fairy-tale story and he’s had a phenomenal season. And with his place in the England squad looking secure, there’s the Euros to look forward to as well.

Mesut Ozil, Arsenal​

If you were handing out the award at Christmas then he would have been the stand-out contender. But his form has dropped off, like Arsenal’s, in the second half of the season. When he’s playing well they are a much better team, but consistency is his problem.

Riyad Mahrez, Leicester City​

One of the prerequisites for player of the year is that your performances win your team the title. In an incredible season for Leicester, he’s been their most important player. Not only has he scored goals regularly, he’s assisted for others too, particularly Vardy. He’s my pick and would be fully deserving of the honour.

Dele Alli, Tottenham​

He’s been a revelation and it’s so exciting to see his progression. What a future he has ahead of him, both at Spurs and for England. He has the opportunity to become what Steven Gerrard was for the national team over the next decade. Already the best all-round central midfielder in the Premier League.

Dimitri Payet, West Ham​

The signing of the season. He could play in the majority of the top sides in Europe and make an impact. He’s wonderfully gifted and a fantastic entertainer — I can’t work out why bigger clubs didn’t snap him up. Scores goals, assists goals and is the most creative player in the league.

Harry Kane, Tottenham​

After a slow start, he’s been fantastic but perhaps been a little overshadowed by Vardy’s goal-scoring exploits. However, the hardest job in football is to put the ball in the net and, at the moment, he is as good as anyone. Alongside that, he’s a great guy and got a great temperament.

Romelu Lukaku, Everton​

In my view, currently the best striker in the league; power, pace, finishing. The big clubs will be queuing up to sign him this summer. I think he’s got the attributes to play on the biggest European stage, and Everton are likely to struggle to hang on to him.

Flop of the year​

Eden Hazard, Chelsea​

What has happened to him? It’s baffling. Still so young so the hope is that he returns to the level he achieved last year.