Five Leicester players nominated for award

Cape Town - The 10 nominees for the Barclays Premier League Player of the Season award have been announced, with Leicester City's stars accounting for half.

It's no surprise that five of the nominees come from the unexpected Champions. Football Writers' Footballer of the Year Jamie Vardy and PFA Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez are joined by midfielder N'Golo Kante, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and captain Wes Morgan on the shortlist.

West Ham's Dimitri Payet is also included after the French attacking midfielder has enjoyed a brilliant first season in England, guiding West Ham to a european-placed finish.

Mesut Ozil of Arsenal also gets the nod. The German playmaker, who was surprisingly left out of the PFA Team of the Season, has 18 league assists to his name for the Gunners.

The remaining three spots go to players of runners-up Tottenham. Current topscorer (25 goals) Harry Kane is joined by PFA Young Player of the Year Dele Alli and Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld.

The winner, announced on Friday, will be chosen by a panel featuring administrators, fans and members of the media.