A former England international has backed Kevin de Bruyne to win PFA Players’ Player of the year and Phil Foden to claim the Young Player of the year accolade.
The pair have already picked up awards in the Premier League’s end of season honours, both receiving their respective prizes for the second time in their careers. De Bruyne is pitted against Virgil van Dijk, Harry Kane, Sadio Mane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mo Salah for the top PFA award this time around.
The Belgian lifted his fourth Premier League title in May after enjoying his highest-scoring City season with 19 goals — four of which came in one match against Wolves towards the end of the campaign. Likewise, Foden clasped his hands on the league crown again, chipping in with 14 goals and 11 assists.
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The 22-year-old is up against Conor Gallagher, Reece James, Jacob Ramsey, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe for the PFA award. And ex-Liverpool defender Glen Johnson told Bettingodds.com that he believes Foden should be the clear winner.
“I think it’s quite easy that one,” he said. “He’s been sensational again, won the league again, scoring big goals and he just looks like he’s been around forever.”
Meanwhile, Johnson said De Bruyne should claim the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, but was shocked to find out that Tottenham’s Heung-min Son had not been included as a nominee after his golden boot season.
He added: “How is Son Heung-min not on the list for the main award? It’s ridiculous. He’s the joint golden boot winner.
“I would have picked Son or Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne has done it all. I know Manchester City are a fantastic side but they’re even better with him and they can’t match it when he’s not playing.”
He underlined: “So I’ll go for De Bruyne as my winner. I would have picked Son as he’s got the golden boot in a team that’s struggled and he’s not even made the list. Harry Kane has been class but I think it’s an embarrassment that Son isn’t even on the list.”
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