A shock Man United star, Ross Barkley and an Aston Villa midfielder among the surprise names to be voted for in this year's FWA Footballer of the Year... as Man City's Phil Foden picks up the award

A number of surprising names have sprung up in the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year vote.

Following a terrific campaign at the Etihad Phil Foden became the first Englishman since Jordan Henderson in 2020 to win the award, earning 42 per cent of the overall vote.

Arsenal's Declan Rice finished second in the standings after enjoying an impressive maiden campaign with Mikel Arteta's title-chasing Gunners. 

Meanwhile the rest of the top six was rounded out by Rodri, Martin Odegaard, Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer.

Despite the top six including multiple genuine contenders for the crown, there were some more surprising contenders who received votes for the player of the year award.

Manchester United have endured a decidedly difficult campaign in Erik ten Hag's second season in charge but that did not stop Diogo Dalot from receiving a nomination.

Meanwhile despite Luton being on the verge of relegation, Ross Barkley also received at least one vote having enjoyed a career renaissance in the heart of Rob Edwards' midfield amid calls for an England recall.

The last player to receive the award in a season where his club was relegated was Scott Parker who was named the winner in 2011 despite West Ham finishing bottom of the Premier League.

Another somewhat unlikely star to receive at least one vote in this year's ballot was Aston Villa captain John McGinn.

The Scottish midfielder has made 49 appearances in all competitions for the Villans this season, as they look set to secure Champions League qualification for the first time since 1983.

Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, Bruno Guimaraes, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Alexis Mac Allister, Son Heung-min and Jarrod Bowen completed the list of those to receive a vote.