Strikers Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Thierry Henry have all received nominations for this year's players' player of the year award.
After claiming 64 goals between them in pursuit of the title for their clubs, the trio has been included in the six-strong list announced today by the Professional Footballers Association.
Manchester United's Roy Keane, who won the award in 2000, and David Beckham - the only Englishman up for the senior prize - make up the list for the award to be announced on Sunday, April 14th.
Arsenal's Robert Pires, whose season - as well as his World Cup hopes, was ended last week by a knee injury, also gets a nomination.
Chelsea star John Terry is the surprise inclusion in the shortlist for the players' young player of the year.
The 21-year-old, who is awaiting trial for an alleged assault, is named after a successful season at the heart of the Blues' back four.
Last year's winner, Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, wins another nomination, and Newcastle's Craig Bellamy, Tottenham's Ledley King, Aston Villa's Darius Vassell and Bolton's Michael Ricketts complete the list.
Players' player of the year 2002 nominations: David Beckham (Manchester United), Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Chelsea), Thierry Henry (Arsenal) Roy Keane (Manchester United), Robert Pires (Arsenal), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United).
Young player of the year 2002 nominations: Craig Bellamy (Newcastle United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur), Michael Ricketts (Bolton Wanderers), John Terry (Chelsea), Darius Vassell (Aston Villa).
PA