Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City are two of the eight candidates shortlisted for the EA Sports Premier League Player of the Month award for April.
City had a flawless month of league play, winning all five of their games and tallying a commendable 17 goals. Pep Guardiola’s team only has the lead for this year’s championship after defeating Arsenal 4-1 at home. Four days later, a victory against Fulham propelled them to the top for the first time since February 17.
Haaland and De Bruyne played a key role in the month’s success, maintaining their budding romance while also shining separately.
Haaland maintained his unstoppable form in April, scoring six goals in four league games, with highlights being braces against Southampton and Leicester City. In the victory over Arsenal, the Norwegian added two more assists to his total, twice setting up De Bruyne for goals.
The Belgian appears to have reached his peak just in time for City’s crucial stretch of the season, as evidenced by the two goals he scored against Mikel Arteta’s team and the goal he scored against Liverpool on the first day of the month. In addition, the 31-year-old has four assists in the four league contests in which he has played.
Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson of Newcastle, who have combined for an astounding 12 goals and two assists, are also on the shortlist with the Blues’ duo.
Eberechi Eze, who scored four goals for Crystal Palace under Roy Hodgson during their stellar month, was nominated with Ollie Watkins, who scored five goals for Unai Emery’s team while playing for Aston Villa.