5 biggest snubs on PFA Player of the Year shortlist

The Premier League looked a lot different this year. Although some of the usual recipients of praise earned nods for the 2015-16 PFA Player of the Year award, the likes of Jamie Vardy and N'Golo Kante - much like their team Leicester City - came out of nowhere to claim time in the spotlight.

Dimitri Payet also surprised onlookers with his quick feet and mesmerising free-kicks at West Ham, which paid a bargain for one of the league's best midfielders.

But some protagonists otherwise crucial to their team's narratives failed to make the shortlist for the award Wednesday, and through no fault of their own.

Here are five players whose efforts this season deserve a shout:

Toby Alderweireld

Making up half of Tottenham's sturdy centre-back duo, Toby Alderweireld has developed into one of the Premier League's finest defenders. He complements Jan Vertonghen well, playing a more adventurous game, while his countryman keeps things tidy at the back.

Alderweireld's biggest strength is his skill on the ball. He could shimmy his way out of the defensive zone if he had to. His education at Ajax, where coaches stress the importance of ball movement, clearly equipped him with the assets to succeed as a modern-day defender.

He is also one of the reasons why Tottenham conceded the fewest goals (25) in the league this term.

Romelu Lukaku

Scoring 18 Premier League goals is apparently only enough for a PFA Young Player of the Year nomination. Romelu Lukaku kept Everton competitive in an otherwise disappointing season at Goodison Park.

It's easy to feel for the 22-year-old Belgium international, who openly criticised his team for its 14th-place position.

But make no mistake: None of it is Lukaku's fault. Only Harry Kane and Vardy scored more in the league this season, and Lukaku handled the responsibility of being Everton's focal point with aplomb. A move to a Champions League club in the summer is likely.

Robert Huth

Robert Huth was simply an average Premier League defender until he arrived at Leicester City. He is the epitome of the Leicester story, really: A journeyman who has made the most of his never-say-die attitude.

There were some crucial goals from the 31-year-old, as well. His winning header against Tottenham allowed the Foxes to dream, and another two goals against Manchester City a month later seemed to confirm his side as one of the title favourites.

But over the course of the whole campaign, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel owes a chunk of his league-leading 14 clean sheets to the steady presence of Huth in the back line. Ashley Williams, Alderweireld, teammate Wes Morgan, and Simon Francis are the only Premier League defenders who logged more minutes than Huth this season - and not by much.

David De Gea

Manchester United had few consistent performers this season. David De Gea is one of them.

After watching his transfer to Real Madrid fall apart last summer, De Gea put his gloves back on and returned to his brilliant self. The Spaniard's quick reflexes and timely stops have kept United in the race for a Champions League spot.

It's not that he's the busiest goalkeeper in the league - plenty faced more shots on goal - but his saves always seem to come at important junctures in the game.

Kevin De Bruyne

The magnificent Kevin De Bruyne is one of the deadliest footballers in Europe. His decision-making is imperious, and his precision even more astounding.

If not for a knee injury midway through his second Premier League experience, De Bruyne would have posted gaudier numbers. But he has made such a huge difference for City since returning from the treatment room.

He is arguably the most well-rounded attacking player in England, creating more chances than any other City player despite missing a sizable part of the campaign. A season under Pep Guardiola could turn the Belgian into an even bigger force.