Virgil van Dijk was crowned the PFA Premier League Player of the Year on Sunday evening following an outstanding campaign.The Dutchman became the first defender to win the prestigious individual accolade since Chelsea legend John Terry 14 years ago.He was also named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, alongside Liverpool teammates Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Sadio Mane.There was no room in the XI for Mohamed Salah, with Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling occupying the other two positions upfront.Salah was also overlooked for this year’s shortlist for the main award.

But does the Egyptian forward deserve far more recognition for his contribution this season?

No player has scored more Premier League goals than Salah who, with 21 to his name, leads the race for the Golden Boot award ahead of Aguero and Mane.

And journalist Miguel Delaney, the Independent’s chief football writer, has done some research which suggests that maybe - just maybe - Salah really ought to have won the PFA Player of the Year award again this season.

Why?

Well, no player from Liverpool or Man City in this season’s title race has earned more points for his team with decisive goals than the Egypt international.

Salah has won a whopping 24 points for Liverpool with final equalisers or goals to put the Reds ahead.

That’s double the number of points earned by Aguero and Sterling, who have both helped City rack up 12 points each.

Mane has helped Liverpool earn 10 points, followed by James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Leroy Sane and David Silva all on six.

To have earned so many points in this season’s title run-in - and given the fact he’s the league’s top scorer - it seems ridiculous that Salah received virtually no recognition for his efforts at the PFA awards.

But former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger thinks he knows why.

Speaking on beIN Sports on Sunday, the Frenchman said: “This team was voted when Salah was not at his best - because the players vote in February.

“In February, he was questioned. They took out him out sometimes at Liverpool.

“So at the end of the season you have players who play very well in March and April, but the vote is done - and that’s why he’s not in the team. He deserves to be there.”