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6 months ago
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Phil Foden has received his Football Writers' Association Player of the Year Award after receiving a hefty portion of the votes to be crowned the Premier League's best on the heels of a blistering season at Manchester United.
The academy graduate picked up the trophy from the organisation's chair John Cross at his club's training ground amid preparations for another dominant end to their campaign.
Foden has played a pivotal role in Pep Guardiola's side this term and has enjoyed standout personal form too, netting 25 times across all competitions, and registering a further 11 assists over the 2023-24 season.
His showings in sky blue helped him earn 42 per cent of the award's vote, which is cast by the association's almost 900 members.
The 23-year-old was one of three Manchester City stars to receive votes, with team-mate Rodri coming third in the standings.
Phil Foden has been presented with his FWA Footballer of the Year award by chair John Cross
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a dazzling season for Man City on the heels of last year's Treble
Foden has had an outstanding personal season netting 25 goals and contributing 11 assists
Bernardo Silva was another of Guardiola's midfield stars to be singled out for praise, but no votes were cast for the winner of last year's award, Erling Haaland.
Mail Sport columnist Jack Gaughan revealed last week that despite the striker being on track to receive the Golden Boot for the second year in a row, Halaand's titanic achievements in front of goal were becoming the standard set after his staggering debut season in the Premier League.
'We’re still in two competitions, we’ve got two finals left and we’ll give everything to try and achieve success and try and do the Premier League four times which has never been done before,' Foden told the press in a video after receiving his award.
'It would mean a lot to us. It’s history and I don’t think I can ever see it being done again.'
“If we can win these next two finals then go into the tournament full of confidence. I would like to say thank you to everyone who voted for me.
'I feel like I have put a lot of hard work into this season, I’ve tried to give everything in every performance that I’ve played in and I feel like my game has come on massively this year.
He added: 'I’m delighted with how I’m performing and now it’s one last push on Sunday, one more game to go to try and win the league and I’m really delighted with the performances and how the team has been doing as well.
'I’m so happy for 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, looking at my journey, and showing it’s possible for other kids. It does feel a little bit extra special for me as a kid to come through the academy and now playing with world stars. I’m getting the rewards that I’ve worked so hard for.
'I’m still only 23, there’s a lot more to come and, working with Pep who, for me, is the best manager in the world and is only going to help me.'
Manchester City also saw one of their own claim the prize for Women's Player of the Year, with Bunny Shaw honoured after a superb season the forward was forced to end prematurely after she suffered a foot injury in April.
Rounding out the most-voted-for runners up were Arsenal's Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, who came second and fourth respectively, Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, and former Man City starlet 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 as one of the best players in England and pick up individual honours as a result.
Team-mates Bernardo Silva (centre) and Rodri (right) were also singled out by members
But last year's winner Erling Haaland failed to receive a single vote one campaign later
Arsenal duo Martin Odegaard (left) and Declan Rice (right) were the fourth and second-most voted-for players respectively
City's Bunny Shaw (centre) picked up the top women's prize in a double victory for the club
'I hope I am up there in the conversation,' the City star said, when asked about the prospect of winning individual awards.
'I am not gonna lie. I want to be one of the best Premier League players this season. I think I have the ability.'
Foden's side are in pole position to lift a record fourth-consecutive Premier League title this weekend after coolly dispatching Tottenham 2-0 in north London on Tuesday night.
Guardiola's men will welcome West Ham to 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 both defeat Everton and hope Man City lose to end the club's unrivalled dominance.
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