Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne has been named the Premier League’s Player of the Season for the 2019/20 campaign.
The Belgian managed his best return of 13 goals all season and also picked up the Playmaker Award after equaling Thierry Henry’s single-season record of 20 assists.
Here’s your 2019/20 @EASPORTSFIFA Player of the Season…
✨ ?????? ?? ?????? ✨#PLAwards pic.twitter.com/I2EJPUPLz8
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 16, 2020
De Bruyne had to compete with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson, Danny Ings, Sadio Mane, Nick Pope and Jamie Vardy in the race for the vote, with the Premier League noting on its official website that he became the third player from Belgium. After Vincent Kompany and Eden Hazard to take home the prize.
“There’s no doubt he’s been the best player this season, and he’s one of the best in world football,” Rio Ferdinand said of De Bruyne’s triumph.
“He sees passes that no one else can and then delivers them week in, week out, as well as scoring some sensational goals. It’s a privilege to see him in the Premier League.”
Congratulations, @DeBruyneKev ?
2019/20 @PremierLeague Player of the Season! #PLAwards #FUT20 pic.twitter.com/P7kirfLB0q
— EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) August 16, 2020
De Bruyne, who was also voted Man City’s player of the season, was expected to be in the running for the 2020 Ballon d’Or, only for France football after the coronavirus outbreak. The decision to cancel the vote is to be made.
His involvement in 33 Premier League goals was more than any other player in the division, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah four behind in the standings.
Our very own @DeBruyneKev has won the @premierleague player of the season award! ??
? #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/uUNdnCVYmM
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 16, 2020
Alexander-Arnold was seen by many as the favorite after Liverpool’s title win but instead had to settle for the Young Player of the Season award, with Jurgen Klopp also picking up the managerial prize.
Winning the award means it will be a bittersweet end to the season for De Bruyne, whose Champions League journey ended at the hands of French side Lyon on Saturday.
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