Virgil van Dijk is the early frontrunner in what is shaping up to be one of the tightest ever races for the Daily Echo Player of the Season award.

It is the 43rd time that Saints fans have the chance to vote in the oldest and most prestigious poll connected with the club with today’s stars vying to join the list of legends on the old trophy such as Alan Ball, Kevin Keegan and Matthew Le Tissier.

Dutch centre half van Dijk goes into the vote as the slight favourite to lift the trophy after an excellent debut season at St Mary’s following his £12m move from Celtic.

However, there is no doubt it is going to be close this season, with several other outstanding performers likely to have strong support.

There has been talk of significant vote for Shane Long after a season that has just got better and better, while Fraser Forster has forced his way into consideration despite only figuring for half of the campaign.

A Daily Echo panel has selected nine contenders to pick from for this year’s vote, with Forster being joined by defenders Ryan Betrand, van Dijk and Jose Fonte – the Saints skipper aiming to equal Le Tissier’s record of winning the trophy three times.

Victor Wanyama has also made the shortlist, along with Steven Davis, Sadio Mane, Shane Long and Graziano Pelle.

The Daily Echo will be profiling each of the nine contenders over the coming days as the vote hots up.

Voting takes place online - just click the logo below:Daily Echo:

The closing date for voting is Thursday, May 12, with the winner to be announced prior to the final game of the season against Crystal Palace on Sunday, May 15.