Kevin De Bruyne Named PFA Players’ Player Of The Year

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has won the 2021 men’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year award for his outstanding performances for the champions of England.

De Bruyne won the award for the second consecutive season ahead of City team-mates Phil Foden, Ruben Dias, Ilkay Gundogan, as well as Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Tottenham’s Harry Kane.

De Bruyne is only the third player to win the men’s main award in two consecutive seasons. The feat only previously achieved by five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and Arsenal’s all-time top goalscorer Thierry Henry.

“The fact that players chose me for this award means that I have done really well,” De Bruyne said. “You want to win all the trophies with the team and this is probably the most important one as an individual in the league.” 

“To be voted be your competitors, by players who you compete with in every game – for them to choose you says a lot.They’re the people in my view who know the most about the game. When you have these things you can show your kids and say, ‘Look! This is what daddy did when he was younger'”.

Foden, meanwhile, won the men’s PFA Young Player of the Year award beating fellow England internationals Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mason Mount, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Mason Greenwood to the prize.

Foden has gone from strength to strength under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, developing into one of the world’s most exciting young talents.

The 21-year-old is a product of City’s academy but has now firmly established himself as a first-team player, becoming one of Guardiola’s most trusted players last season, starting in the Carabao Cup and Champions League final.

• Read more: Ruben Dias Voted Premier League Player Of The Season

Despite his young age, Foden boasts a remarkable trophy haul, having won three Premier Leagues titles, four League Cups and one FA Cup.

“I’m really honoured. There’s been some great players in the past who have won it,” Foden said. “I feel really lucky to win because there are some great young talents this season. I am feeling really happy, it’s a special moment.” 

“Obviously, it’s really nice to get praise, but you have to keep your feet on the ground and show with your performances on the pitch. This year I’ve tried to show that in every single game and try and give the best performance I can. It’s been a great season for me.”

Chidi Nwoke.