Awards

Kane on the verge of first Playmaker prize

23 May 2021
Playmaker award

Spurs striker holds a slender lead heading into final day as he seeks rare awards double

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Harry Kane heads into the final day with the slimmest of advantages as he looks to claim the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award for the first time.

The Tottenham Hotspur striker's tally of 13 assists is only one ahead of Bruno Fernandes and two clear of Kevin De Bruyne.

Fixtures for Playmaker award contenders

Kane faces a trip to Leicester City on the final day, while Fernandes' Manchester United travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers and champions Manchester City host Everton.

The England international will need to improve on his recent record, having failed to produce an assist in his last nine appearances.

He does, however, face a Leicester side who conceded four times in their previous home match when they lost 4-2 to Newcastle United

History beckons?

Kane, who is tied with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah in the race for the Golden Boot on 22 goals, is aiming to become only the third player to finish a season as both top scorer and the player with the most assists.

Andrew Cole managed the feat with Newcastle in 1993/94, while Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink finished joint-top of both charts for Leeds United in 1998/99.

Chasing pack

Fernandes registered an assist in a 1-0 victory over Wolves in the reverse fixture and a repeat performance at Molineux could lead to the Portuguese star earning a share of the prize.

Wolves have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five encounters ahead of Nuno Espirito Santo's final match in charge.

City midfielder De Bruyne could return on Sunday after recovering from injury, although he faces a difficult task against an Everton defence who have kept four consecutive clean sheets away from home.

The Belgian is looking the win the award for the third time, after receiving the honour in 2017/18 and 2019/20.

Outside chance

Jack Grealish and Son Heung-min need big performances on the final day, with the pair both currently three assists behind Kane.

Aston Villa's Grealish returned to the starting XI against Spurs in midweek after recovering from injury and has a home fixture against Chelsea, while Son faces Leicester.

Also in this series

Part 1: Kane and Salah set for final-day Golden Boot battle

See: Every Playmaker of the Season award winner

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