Bruno Fernandes and Declan Rice are two of the frontrunners to win the PFA Premier League Player of the Year due to their outstanding performances for Manchester United and Arsenal, respectively.
However, one of the division's greatest midfielders of all time, Roy Keane, doesn't think either are the best in their position. Fernandes has played in box-to-box and advanced midfield roles and is looking to become the first Premier League player to contribute 21 assists in a single season.
He needs just four in the final six games of the campaign to achieve that feat for a United side that haven't set the world alight. Meanwhile, Rice has been the driving force behind a season that could see Arsenal lift the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
Roy Keane Snubs Fernandes and Rice as Top Midfielder
bruno fernandes-1
Keane was tasked by The Overlap team to pick between some of the Premier League's current best midfielders. The 54-year-old was presented with two names, and he would have to pick the better player.
The retired Republic of Ireland international picked West Ham's 21-year-old midfielder Matheus Fernandes ahead of the likes of Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba, Casemiro, Ryan Gravenberch and Enzo Fernandez. The Portuguese engine room general has been a rare bright spark at the London Stadium this season, and is already being linked with a move to a bigger club in the summer.
However, he didn't make his way past Bernardo Silva. The six-time Premier League champion also sailed past England international Elliot Anderson. Silva, who will leave Manchester City in the summer, is also a better player than Rice. In Keane's opinion, at least.
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When it came to two Portuguese playmakers, Silva and Fernandes, Keane began to hesitate. "Do I have to answer it? Both brilliant players," he said.
The midfielder-turned-pundit explained how both are having impressive seasons, while admitting there is a difference in quality between their respective teams: "Silva's in a better team, Bruno's doing well in not such a good United team."
"At this moment in time, form-wise, I'd go with Silva," he finally admitted. Fernandes is one of the best midfielders in world football, and some even think he's in with a chance of winning the Ballon d'Or this year. However, his compatriot came out on top in Keane's view.
Roy Keane: Declan Rice is Too Nice
Arsenal's Declan Rice wearing their third kit for 2025/26
While the choice between Silva and Fernandes left Keane stumped, the Sky Sports pundit wasn't as shy in brushing past Rice's name. Speaking on The Overlap this week, the former United captain labelled the Gunners' midfield star 'too nice'.
"He’s too nice. All I ever hear is he’s a really nice guy and he’s a good guy and all of this.
"I know he’s a good player but I don’t think he gets a grip of people. He’s best mates with everyone."
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Discussing how Arsenal players sometimes need to ignore instructions given by Mikel Arteta and step up for the team, Keane pinpointed Rice as a player he wants to see take more responsibility: "Eventually it comes down to the players and I want Rice to challenge people. You see games where it’s not going right and I don’t see Declan Rice pulling up anybody."
Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 18-04-26.