The Premier League have named the six players up for October’s Player of the Month award.
Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison and Son Heung-min have picked up the prize already this season but neither have been nominated this time around, although there could be a third-straight winner from Ange Postecoglou’s league leaders as Cristian Romero made the cut.
Here are the six players in the running for October’s award.
Luiz has been one of the major beneficiaries of Unai Emery’s coaching and the Brazilian midfielder enjoyed an outstanding October for Aston Villa.
Two goals against West Ham United set off an excellent month before Luiz capped off the fun by setting up the opener in a 3-1 win over Luton Town.
90min understands Luiz’s form has impressed long-time suitors Arsenal, who remain keen to get a transfer over the line after failing to strike a deal in 2022.
Brentford won two of their four games in October and, unsurprisingly, Mbeumo was at the heart of both victories.
He scored one and set up another in a 3-0 victory over Burnley, before replicating that feat as Brentford stunned Chelsea 2-0 away from home.
Mbeumo now has six goals to his name this season. As we arrive at November, only four players have scored more.
Back-to-back nominations for Neto, whose dazzling form carried over into October.
Neto grabbed an assist in each of Wolves‘ three games, flashing his creative magic against Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
The Portugal international sits atop the Premier League’s assist charts at this point in the season, having set up seven goals in just ten games. His closest competition is Ollie Watkins and James Maddison, who both have five.
Signed for everything apart from his goals and assists, Rice made sure to offer Arsenal the complete package across October.
After an immense showing in the 1-0 victory over Manchester City, Rice bagged the goal that kick-started the comeback against Chelsea and capped the month off with an assist in the 5-0 win over Sheffield United.
Mikel Arteta played Rice further forward for a large part of October, deploying Jorginho at the base of his midfield, and the results are clear to see.
If Tottenham are going to go three-for-three in this award, they’re going to need centre-back Romero to come home with the goods.
Romero played a pivotal role as Spurs kept two clean sheets in wins over both Luton and Fulham, but it was his exploits in the 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace which really caught the eye.
The centre-back made 141 passes during the game, setting a club-record for a Premier League match.
If goals win this award, the Premier League can start packaging it up and sending it to Salah.
Liverpool‘s talisman ended October with no fewer than five strikes to his name, bagging two against both Brighton and Everton before chipping in with another as Jurgen Klopp’s side thumped Nottingham Forest.
It’s been a sensational campaign so far for Salah, whose eight goals and four assists prove he is still at the peak of his powers.
