Liverpool and Manchester City lead the nominations: Shortlists for PFA awards in pictures

Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk and English forward Raheem Sterling the leading contenders

Sadio Mane (Liverpool). The Senegalese forward has produced his most prolific Premier League season to date, scoring 18 goals to sit joint-third in the top-scorer standings. His goals have been central to Liverpool's title bid. Reuters

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool). Jurgen Klopp's side have gone from defensively vulnerable to the meanest in the league, conceding just 20 goals. Pivotal to their transformation has been Dutch centre-back Van Dijk, whose remarkable levels this season have seen him emerge as arguably the finest defender on the planet. Favourite to win the award. Reuters

Raheem Sterling (Manchester City). The England forward just gets better and better, his 17 goals and nine assists have seen him stand out even among City's wealth of attacking talent. The best attacking player of the season, Sterling should run Van Dijk close for the award. Reuters

Bernardo Silva (Manchester City). Pep Guardiola personally thanked the City board for the signing of Silva in 2017. Two seasons later, it's clear what all the fuss is about. The Portuguese midfielder has chipped in with six goals and seven assists, but it has been his consistent level of brilliance - both in central midfield and on the wing - that earned Silva his nomination. Reuters

Sergio Aguero (Manchester City). Another season, another boatload of goals for the Argentine striker. Aguero sits on 19 goals, joint-top of the standings with Mohamed Salah, and has produced eight assists. Once again, Aguero's goals and all-round attacking threat have been vital to City's title bid. Reuters

Eden Hazard (Chelsea). Is there any other individual more important to their team than Hazard? It's safe to say Chelsea's top-four ambitions have been carried almost single-handedly by the Belgian forward, who has scored 16 goals and produced 12 assists. How everyone associated with Chelsea must hope he commits his future to the club. EPA

The shortlists for the PFA Player of the Year award and Young Player of the Year award were announced on Saturday, with title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool leading the way in both categories.

City have three players shortlisted: forwards Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero and midfielder Bernardo Silva, while Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk and teammate Sadio Mane represent the Reds.

Chelsea forward Eden Hazard completes the six-player list.

Click through the photo gallery above to learn more about each nominee and their credentials for the award. If you are using a mobile device, simply swipe.

Below is the gallery for the Young Player of the Year award, with Sterling and Silva again nominated. The City pair are joined by Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks, Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, and West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

Click through the gallery to learn more about each nominee and why they have been nominated.

Note: all stats included are correct at the time of the shortlists announcements.