8. Steven Gerrard
One of the esteemed players engraved on the PFA Player of the Year Award, Steven Gerrard will go down in history as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, and one of the best in Liverpool's long established history. There isn't much that needs to be said about why Steven Gerrard is one of the best the country has had to offer this millennium, or why he should be regarded as one of the best to win this award. But why this year? Liverpool have been unspectacular this season to say the very least, but the faults of other players should not reflect on those that pour their heart and soul out every match that they play in. Gerrard wants to win so desperately, but the fact that he wants to win has not clouded his desire to compete for his boyhood club. Despite heading towards the latter stages of his playing career, Gerrard has turned out some stellar performances for the Anfield faithful this year, scoring nine goals and providing a further thirteen. Without the goals he has provided this year (alongside another player that will appear later on this list) Liverpool could be a lot worse off than they currently are. The team still has a slim chance of reaching Europe, and Gerrard has been a vital component in keeping them within touching distance of Thursday nights on ITV4. His passes are still as accurate, his shots still as blistering, and as pace was never a huge part of his game he could be playing at the top level for years to come. At least he is certain to not suffer the same treatment that another English midfielder is getting from his club by being forced out before his time is up.
Chances of winning: About the same as his chances of winning the Premier League next season