Paul Merson admitted he was stunned when Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was not named in the list of the eight best players of the Premier League season.

Saka’s teammates Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard were both selected but the England winger was not named.

The 22-year-old star has had a productive season under Mikel Arteta, scoring 16 goals and providing 9 assists to help Arsenal compete for the Premier League title. Saka was on the shortlist for the best young player of the season, but Merson was surprised when he was removed from the main list.

Rice and Odegaard are included in the list alongside Manchester City duo Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak .

Despite Saka’s recent struggles to find consistent form, Arsenal has remained in fine form as a team.

While it is difficult to pick only one or two players from the Gunners to challenge for the award, Saka seems to deserve a nomination based on his overall performances this season.

After seeing the list, a baffled Merson said, as quoted by Metro Sport:

‘When it comes to the vote, I think people forget about form at the start of the season. He was unplayable at the start of the season.

‘I know it’s been a little bit harder for him recently but teams double up on him. That’s what happens when you’re successful and good at your job, teams don’t want him on the ball.

‘I am quite stunned at that… Arsenal are at the top and Saka’s been superb so he should be in with a shout for player of the year, no doubt about that.’