Mikkel Hansen or Sander Sagosen? Make your choice!
The two Paris Saint-Germain Handball players have been named in the IHF's shortlist for World Player of the Year 2018.
Among the five nominees, we find Mikkel Hansen first of all. While he is already a strong candidate for the 2019 award, given his winning the World Cup - as the tournament's MVP - this nomination comes thanks to his exploits from last year: the frontrunner was the second-highest scorer in the Velux EHF Champions League, in which his Paris Saint-Germain Handball side finished third; he won the domestic treble of the Lidl Starligue, the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue; and he was named best left-back of the tournament as his Denmark side clinched fourth place at the Euros in Croatia. Mikkel Hansen definitely made his mark on the year just passed and, should he win again (after claiming the top prize in 2011 and 2015), he would join clubmate Nikola Karabatic on the top rung of the most decorated players in the history of handball.
Next up we find another Parisian: Sander Sagosen, named best playmaker at the last Euros and best left-back of the 2017-18 Velux EHF Champions League season. He also won all the domestic titles, save for the Trophée des Champions, and clinching this top honour would be a first for him - as well as for Norway.
But the competition will be extremely tough for our two Parisians: Vincent Gérard (Montpellier), who won the last edition of the Champions League as well as claiming bronze with France at the last Euros; Flensburg playmaker Jim Gottfridsson, who won the German league and silver at the Euros; and another Dane - Rasmus Lauge Schmidt - also a Champion of Germany with Flensburg.
Voting is already open - you have until 15 March to make your voice heard!