Manchester City's Raheem Sterling has been named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year.
Sterling, the City and England forward was a clear winner in the vote of over 400 FWA members, taking 62 per cent of the poll and 100 votes more than Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk. His fellow City forward Sergio Aguero placed third.
Other players to receive votes from FWA members were, in alphabetical order: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal), Bernardo Silva and David Silva (Manchester City).
Sterling, 24, becomes the first Manchester City winner of football's oldest individual award, first handed out in 1948, for 50 years since defender Tony Book shared the 1969 accolade with Derby's Dave Mackay.
An integral part City's battle with Liverpool for the Premier League title, Sterling has also received widespread praise for his courageous stance taken against racism in the game.
The England forward has scored 29 goals for club and country this season, helping drive Gareth Southgate's side to the UEFA Nations League finals and an impressive start in Euro 2020 qualifying.
Sterling, who could yet also end up with an FA Cup winners' medal, will be presented with the Sir Stanley Matthews Trophy at the 2019 Footballer of the Year dinner, to be held at the Landmark Hotel in London on May 9.
VanishPrasad
270
If he wins the league and Liverpool loses the champions league..., the PFA should be collected from Van Dirk and given to him.... Whether you like it or not...., he has been the most improved and most outstanding player in England this season.... Haters would come in now in 1...2....3...π π π
SamratCR7
212
But I still think Vigil Van Dijk should have won it this year no body could dribble past him and due to him Allison is said to he world class keeper. I think Liverpool would be in 3rd or 4th place if it wasn't for him
Mosanya
196
Congrats Sterling for win FWA award, you deserve and you have performed well and have an incredible and outstanding performance this season, I hope you continue to be with your good form, congrats.
YomiteYomas
155
well deserved raheem sterling, he's turn the tide magnificently well having come under criticisms and scrutiny, from a blatant diver to a prolific,assured and composed finisher...keepning bro,the sky is your starting point
Murugan
128
Congrats to Redheem Sterling π¬π§
Longlife2000
72
PFA Young Player of the Year π Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year π Another day, another award for Raheem Sterling π₯ #MondayMotivation
Rahulmessiarg
72
Sterling deserves with the intensity he has shown this year!!! He is above all forwards this season in EPL!!!
shirtos
62
This shows that Sterling deserved PFA player of the year because Van Djik wasn't anywhere near him
kiss4
56
Virgil Van Dijk has dismissed talk of winning the Ballon d'Or and insists he is fully focused on attempting to shackle 'out of this world' Lionel Messi in the Champions League. βNah, that's not something that's on my mind at all.β
simbcnrsuy
47
well deserved accolade for Sterling. However the players could not have done justice to Van Dijk if they failed to recognize his work.. How many players have gone past the rock in this year's premier league, not even Sterling who have lighted up the premiership. VVD wining the BBC player of the year, the four four two award and the POTY, while Sterling wining the FWA Award shows how each one of them developed as player in their current respective clubs. Congrats to the two.