Manchester United’s Anthony Martial headlines the six nominees and is considered the frontrunner for the award, but faces competition from Arsenal pace merchant Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson and a resurgent Ross Barkley of Chelsea, with Fernandinho, from the blue half of Manchester, rounding out the list.

Ryan’s Brighton have risen to 11th, and 9 points clear of the drop zone, after three consecutive top-flight wins over West Ham, Newcastle and Wolves, the first time the club has achieved this since 1981.

With Australia’s first-choice keeper narrowly trailing only Joe Hart (Burnley) and Łukasz Fabiański (West Ham) in saves made, both tied for first with 44, his recent form has attracted speculation regarding a potential move to English powerhouse Manchester United, a far cry from his difficult time at La Liga side Valencia C.F.

After 77 appearances at Club Brugge in Belgium, Ryan earned a move to Valencia in 2015, but quickly found himself as a second-choice keeper and returned to Belgium once again, this time on a loan spell with KRC Genk.

Since his 2017 permanent transfer to Brighton, Ryan has starred for his side, helping to keep them in England’s top flight at the conclusion of the 2017/18 season.

Only one Australian has won the Premier League Player of the Month Award – fellow goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer in February of 2010 during his time at London-based club Fulham. The winner will be announced on Friday.