Arsene Wenger has praised Michael Carrick and says the midfielder’s nomination for the PFA Player of the Year award is completely justified.
Carrick has featured in all but two games of Manchester United’s league-winning campaign and has been a model of consistency in front of the back four.
Wenger has been impressed with the 31-year-old but believes Arsenal's Santi Cazorla should also be vying for the award.
“I am happy Carrick is in there because he deserves to be and for the whole global achievement I am very happy,” said Wenger. “He could be the one who gets it. He doesn’t score the goals but it does not always need to be the goalscorer.
“I would have liked Cazorla to be in there as well, I think he has had a marvellous contribution this season.”
Jack Wilshere is among the nominees for the Young Player award - two years after winning the prize. The midfielder has been a stand-out performer for Arsenal since returning from a long-term injury and Wenger is delighted that the 21-year-old’s performances have been recognised.
“It is a fantastic achievement [to be on the list again], even if he doesn't win it is a fantastic achievement because what he has done is absolutely marvellous,” he said.
“The speed of his comeback has been absolutely tremendous. Can you imagine being out for 17 months and then come back in such a fashion and such a convincing way. It is absolutely marvellous.
“Again it is the right list, [Gareth] Bale could be on top of that because Jack could not play the whole season. He only played part of the season.”
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