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.

Raheem Sterling (Manchester City). One of two players capable of winning the double, Sterling's rise under Pep Guardiola has been meteoric and at just 24-years-old, he is only going to keep improving. The massive favourite for this award, Reuters

Bernardo Silva (Manchester City). The other player in the hunt for the double, Silva has been magnificent for City this season. Like Sterling, Silva is 24 but is likely to miss out to his teammate for this award. AP Photo

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool). After establishing himself as Liverpool's first-choice right-back last season, Alexander-Arnold has kicked on another gear this campaign. The England international is a key part of the Premier League's stingiest defence and has chipped in with seven assists. Only 20-years-old, Alexander-Arnold is placed to be the first-choice right-back for club and country for the next generation. Reuters

David Brooks (Bournemouth). Signed last summer from Sheffield United, Brooks has thrived in his debut Premier League season, claiming seven goals and five assists from midfield. The 21-year-old Wales international may be an outsider for this award, but certainly deserves his place on the shortlist. Reuters

Marcus Rashford (Manchester United). After a rocky start under former manager Jose Mourinho, Rashford has been transformed since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's arrival. The England striker has scored 10 goals and created six assists to help revive United's top-four hopes. Quickly turning into one of the most dangerous centre-forwards in England. Reuters

Declan Rice (West Ham United). Few rises have been as sharp this season as West Ham's Rice. His calming presence in West Ham's midfield as seen him become a key first-team player under Manuel Pellegrini, while his performances earned him his first England caps after switching allegiance from the Republic of Ireland. The 20-year-old Rice has an enormous future ahead of him. Reuters