Bryan Mbeumo: Premier League player of the season nomination ‘crazy’ for Brentford man

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo says it feels “crazy” to have been nominated for Premier League player of the season.

The 25-year-old Cameroon international has scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in 36 league outings for the Bees, who are chasing a place in European competition for the first time.

“I didn’t really expect it,” Mbeumo told BBC Sport Africa.

“I know I have [had] a good season, but I was surprised when I’ve seen my name there.”

Mbeumo is one of eight players on the shortlist for the award, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who leads the top flight scoring charts, chief among the other contenders.

Salah’s team-mates Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, Nottingham Forest pair Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice round off the list.

Mbeumo joined Brentford from Troyes in August 2019 and has played a vital role in turning the west London club from a Championship side into contenders for a European spot.

He has netted a total of 40 Premier League goals, making him Brentford’s second-highest goalscorer since promotion.

“This club bring me everything,” Mbeumo said.

“They gave me confidence and I feel very happy to achieve this season here. With the group we have, it is just such a good life here.

“Players other than me could have deserved a nomination as well. That shows that the club is improving a lot.”

The Bees sit eighth in the table – a finish which could secure a place in the Europa Conference League next season – and boss Thomas Frank is in the running for the Premier League manager of the year award.