Wednesday 27 April 2016 15:35, UK
Former Newcastle forward Hatem Ben Arfa has been shortlisted for the French Player of the Year award alongside Paris Saint-Germain heavyweights Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Angel Di Maria.
Four men are nominated for the player-voted award - which will be announced on May 8 - with former Portsmouth, Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra the other name to make the cut.
After a serious slump in the first half of the season last year's winner, Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, failed to make the list despite his 12 goals since January.
Ibrahimovic, winner of the award in 2013 and 2014, is Ligue 1's top scorer this season with 32 goals and also has the most assists (13) of any player in the division, making him hot favourite.
Di Maria has also run defences ragged but cannot boast the same statistics as his Swedish team-mate.
Playmaker Ben Arfa has been unstoppable with the ball at his feet and has led Nice to the brink of Champions League qualification in scintillating style, while scoring 17 Ligue 1 goals.
While Diarra's performances have been the one constant in Marseille's miserable season, the former Premier League star is tipped to join arch rivals PSG in the summer.
The Players' Union also elect a coach of the year with PSG boss Laurent Blanc in the running after winning the league and League Cup with a French Cup final to come.
Ben Arfa's coach Claude Puel could pip Blanc after a thrilling season at Nice.
Also on the list are early-season form team Angers' coach Stephane Moulin and Thierry Laurey who has worked wonders on a shoe-string budget at relegation threatened Corsican minnows Gazelec Ajaccio.
