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Phil Foden and Cole Palmer Claim Prestigious PFA Awards
In a notable achievement for English football, Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has been awarded the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) men’s player of the year, while Chelsea’s Cole Palmer secured the title of young player of the year. This marks a significant moment as it is the first time since the 2009-10 season that both awards have been bestowed upon English players.
During the 2009-10 campaign, the accolades were won by Wayne Rooney and James Milner, making this latest recognition a testament to the rising talent in English football.
Expressing his gratitude, Foden commented, “To win this award is something very special and it is one that I am very proud of and grateful for. To be recognised this way by your fellow professionals means everything and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me.” He went on to highlight the success of the previous season for Manchester City, emphasizing that the team’s focus is now on achieving further success this season.
Foden’s performance last season was impressive; he netted 19 goals in 35 appearances in the English Premier League, contributing significantly to Manchester City’s historic achievement of winning a fourth consecutive league title. At just 23 years old, he made history by becoming the youngest player ever to win six league titles, a milestone that underscores his crucial role in the team’s success.
This latest accolade is particularly special for Foden, as it represents his first triumph in the PFA’s player of the year category, having previously been honored as the best young player on two occasions. In addition to his PFA victory, he also claimed the Premier League player of the season award and was recognized as the Football Writers’ Association footballer of the year for the 2023-24 season.
Foden’s exceptional performance secured him the award over notable competitors such as his teammates Erling Haaland and Rodri, as well as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, all of whom were nominated.
Source
www.bbc.com