Kevin De Bruyne Named PFA Winner

Kevin De Bruyne has become the first male Manchester City player to win the Professional Footballers’ Association’s (PFA) Player of the Year award. Congratulations, Kevin!

The Belgian beat out team-mate Raheem Sterling and the Liverpool quartet of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane and last year’s winner, Virgil van Dijk, to claim the 2019/20 prize.

He scored 13 times and added his 20 assists, which equalled Thierry Henry’s 17-year record and saw him claim the Playmaker award for the second time.

De Bruyne commented on winning the award-

“It is a big honour,” he said at the virtual ceremony.

“To be voted by your colleagues, your competitors from other teams who we play against on the field, is amazing.

“It is maybe strange that I’m the first one at City, with all the good players who played there before and are still playing, but it is nice to represent the Club.

“I think it is [the ultimate honour] because you compete against them [fellow professionals].

“They want to win the trophies; they want to be the best. It is everybody voting, not a few players, so that means you have done really well in the season.”

“To be recognised by other players is the most that any footballer can ask for, because they understand not only what it is to compete against you, but also the level of commitment it takes to play at the very top.

“There have been many great players in this club’s history, especially over the last decade working with Roberto, Manuel and myself.

“We have won many titles, but Kevin is the first to receive this prestigious award. This recognition is also a tribute to all the fantastic players who have come before him.

“We are so proud of Kevin and this will only strengthen what he means to this club and our fans. From all the players, coaches and staff at Manchester City, I would like to congratulate him.”

“I think I have been playing good,” added the Belgian.

“I’m trying to be constant with good performances and to not go up and down too much.

“I think that is something that happens in the beginning of your career, but I’m a little bit older now so I’m used to what I can and can’t do.

“I’m helping my team try and win games and if you do that people will vote for you.”

Richly deserved, congratulations, Kevin!!