Gary Lineker snubs Declan Rice as he names his Premier League Player of the Season

Former England and Barcelona star Gary Lineker overlooked Declan Rice when picking out his Premier League Player of the Season.

On the back of Arsenal's vital 2-1 win over Chelsea, the Gunners restored their five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

Rice was influential once again as he provided the assist for Jurrien Timber's winner while also stopping multiple Chelsea attacks.

So far in the 25/26 season, Rice has recorded four goals and 11 assists in 39 matches across all competitions.

Many feel that if Arsenal manage to win the Premier League, Rice would be named Player of the Season.

However, speaking recently on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker picked out Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as someone who deserves the accolade.

Lineker said: "When Bruno Fernandes gets a grip of that game… You talk about spaces, and where he goes, he’s so clever. When he crosses, he goes sort of inside-left channel. He doesn’t just go in the middle, he sees where everyone is, he always uses his full-back or his winger and then they play back to him where he’s got that time to cross.

"If you actually look at his positioning, he’s always scanning about, where the best places are to be, where he can affect the game."

Bruno Fernandes has been in fine form for Manchester United. Image: Getty

He continued: "You see him on the left wing, you see him on the right wing… what a brain! I think he’s the player of the season for me. I know they’ll probably give it to someone that’s going to win something."

At this point, Lineker stated that Rice could win if Arsenal become champions, while also mentioning Erling Haaland if he inspires Manchester City to the title.

Lineker added: "For me, it’s probably him or maybe Declan Rice if Arsenal go on and manage to clinch the title. I suppose the only other one, if he came back and started banging in all the goals and won City the title, it might be Erling Haaland again.

"But at the moment, for me, to do what he’s (Bruno Fernandes) done this season… and he was still the standout player even when they were going through a rotten spell when they were really struggling under Ruben Amorim. I think he’s got such a great footballing brain and technique. What a player, what a player!"