Phil Foden has received the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award after receiving a large share of the votes to be crowned the Premier League’s best player following a spectacular season at Manchester United.
The academy graduate collected the trophy from organization president John Cross at his club’s training ground amid preparations for another dominant finish to their campaign.
Foden has played a pivotal role in Pep Guardiola’s team this season and has also enjoyed excellent personal form, scoring 25 goals in all competitions and registering a further 11 assists during the 2023-24 season.
His performances in sky blue helped him earn 42 percent of the award votes, cast by the association’s nearly 900 members.
The 23-year-old was one of three Manchester City stars to receive votes, with his teammate Rodri third in the standings.
Phil Foden received his FWA Footballer of the Year award from Chairman John Cross.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a dazzling season with Manchester City following last year’s treble.
Foden has had an excellent personal season, scoring 25 goals and providing 11 assists.
Bernardo Silva was another of Guardiola’s midfield stars to receive praise, but no votes were cast for last year’s award winner, Erling Haaland.
Mail Sport columnist Jack Gaughan revealed last week that despite the striker being on course to receive the Golden Boot for the second year in a row, Halaand’s titanic achievements in front of goal were becoming the set standard. after his amazing debut season in the Premier League.
“We are still in two competitions, we have two finals left and we will give everything to try to achieve success and try to reach the Premier League four times, something that has never been done before,” Foden told the press in a video after receiving his prize.
‘It would mean a lot to us. “It’s history and I don’t think I can ever see it done again.”
“If we can win the next two finals, we will go into the tournament full of confidence. I would like to thank everyone who voted for me.
“I feel like I’ve worked hard this season, I’ve tried to give my all in every performance I’ve played and I feel like my game has improved massively this year.”
He added: “I’m delighted with my performance and now it’s one last push on Sunday, there’s one more game left to try to win the league and I’m very delighted with the performances and how the team has done.” also.
“I am very happy for the people who have been on my journey, the fans who have supported me, those who have helped me and to be named for this award means a lot to me.
‘It just shows how far I’ve come, to look at my journey and show that it’s possible for other kids. It feels a little bit very special for me, as a kid, to go through the academy and now play with world stars. I am receiving the rewards I have worked so hard for.
“I’m still 23 years old, there’s a lot more to come and work with Pep, who, for me, is the best coach in the world and he’s only going to help me.”
Manchester City also saw one of their own claim the Player of the Year award, with Bunny Shaw honored after an excellent season which the striker was forced to end prematurely after suffering a foot injury in April.
Completing the top finalists were Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, who came second and fourth respectively, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and former Manchester City star Cole Palmer, whose move to Chelsea last summer sparked a dazzling debut campaign . in west London.
During his exclusive interview with Mail Sport last month, Foden admitted that he wants to be considered one of England’s best players and win individual honors as a result.
His colleagues Bernardo Silva (center) and Rodri (right) were also pointed out by the partners
But last year’s winner, Erling Haaland, failed to receive a single vote one season later.
Arsenal duo Martin Odegaard (left) and Declan Rice (right) were the fourth and second most voted players respectively.
City’s Bunny Shaw (centre) took the top women’s award in a double victory for the club.
“I hope to be in the conversation,” the City star said when asked about the prospect of winning individual awards.
‘I am not going to lie. I want to be one of the best players in the Premier League this season. I think I have the ability.’
Foden’s side are in pole position to lift a fourth successive Premier League title this weekend after coolly dispatching Tottenham 2-0 in north London on Tuesday night.
Guardiola’s men will host West Ham at the Etihad on the final day of the season two points clear at the top of the table, meaning title rivals Arsenal will need to defeat Everton and hope Manchester City lose to end the club’s unrivaled dominance.
