Last year's winner John Terry is again on the shortlist for the English Professional Footballers' Association player of the year award, along with Chelsea team mates Joe Cole and Frank Lampard.
Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, winner in 2003 and 2004, Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney complete the six-man shortlist released on Thursday.
Centre-back Terry was the first Chelsea player to win the award, instigated in 1974, the first defender since Paul McGrath in 1993 and the first Englishman since Teddy Sheringham in 2001.
The Chelsea captain has again been impressive as Chelsea head towards retaining the Premier League title and has become first choice for England.
Rooney, who turned 20 last October, is also among the nominees for the young player of the year award, which he won last year.
Darren Bent (Charlton Athletic), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Anton Ferdinand (West Ham United), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) complete the list.
