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– Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne has been voted the 2021-22 Premier League player of the season, while team-mate Phil Foden was named best young player.
– Belgium midfielder De Bruyne has scored 15 goals and registered seven assists, with City top of the league before the final day of the campaign on Sunday.
– “To win this award for a second time is an achievement that I am really proud of,” he said.
Also Read: Phil Foden wins back-to-back Premier League Young Player of the season awards
– Foden, 21, is the first player to win his prize in successive seasons.
– De Bruyne, 30, was chosen after the votes from the public on the Premier League website were combined with those of the 20 Premier League club captains and a panel of football experts.
BREAKING: Kevin De Bruyne wins Player of the Season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DTBbJqSw5R
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 21, 2022
– His City team-mate Joao Cancelo, Liverpool pair Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Tottenham forward Son Heung-min and Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse were also nominated.
– De Bruyne also claimed the honour in 2019-20 and joins Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic in winning it more than once.
– “There is so much quality in the Premier League and it is a pleasure to be nominated with so many other great players who have had incredible seasons for their clubs,” added De Bruyne.
– “I think my performances this season have been good and I am happy that I have been able to contribute with goals and assists throughout the season.”
– Foden secured the most combined votes from the public and a Premier League panel, to win the young player trophy for a second time.
– The England international has scored nine goals and provided five assists this season.
– Foden beat Alexander-Arnold, Crystal Palace’s on-loan Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, Palace full-back Tyrick Mitchell, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, Arsenal duo Aaron Ramsdale and Saka, and West Ham midfielder Declan Rice to the award for players aged 23 or under.
– “I’m very proud to have won for a second season in a row,” he said.
– “I have been really happy with my performances this season and it has been great to contribute to this team in what will hopefully be another successful year for us all.
– “To be nominated alongside so many great players is an honour as they have all had great seasons for their clubs.”
– De Bruyne and Foden can help City retain the Premier League title on Sunday – when they host Aston Villa – as their side go into the final round of fixtures one point ahead of rivals Liverpool, who are at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
