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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Joe Bray

Erling Haaland thanks Man City dressing room and Pep Guardiola as he's named FWA Footballer of the Year

Erling Haaland's incredible debut season for Manchester City has seen the striker earn the Football Writers' Association Player of the Year award.

Haaland has scored 51 goals and added eight assists in just 47 games, averaging a goal or assist every 60 minutes. He recently became the all-time top scorer in a single Premier League season with his 35 goals and counting, while he holds various other records including most goals in a single season for City.

With six games left of the season - seven if City reach the Champions League final - Haaland could set another impressive record for the most goals in all competitions in a single top-flight season, but he needs 12 more goals to equal Dixie Dean's long-standing tally.

ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola may have already hinted at Man City plan for 'toughest' Premier League fixture at Everton

Haaland becomes only the fourth player to receive the award in his first season in the Premier League, following teammate Ruben Dias, Jurgen Klinsmann and Gianfranco Zola. Kevin De Bruyne came fourth in the 2023 vote, behind Haaland and Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

The striker said: “To win the Football Writers’ Award in my first season in English football is an honour. I try every single day to be the best I can be, and to be recognised like this means a lot to me.

“I have loved my time at City so far – my teammates are incredible, and they provide me with the chances to score goals. I want to thank all of them, because I could not have won this award without them.

“I also owe so much to Pep and the team behind the team here at City. Everybody has been so good to me since I joined and I have never worked with such top professionals.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for me. It’s a real honour to have won this award. I am now focused on ensuring I finish the season as strongly as possible and helping City win trophies.”

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