By Sulaimon Jamiu
Manchester City midfielder, Kelvin De Bruyne has been voted as the 2021/22 Premier League Player of the Season.
The Belgian bagged the prestigious award for the second time after another outstanding campaign during which he has played a key role in Man City’s bid to win a fourth title in five years.
De Bruyne has scored a career-high 15 Premier League goals and his exceptional form has seen him come out on top in the fan vote ahead of team-mate Joao Cancelo, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Southampton’s midfielder James Ward-Prowse, Tottenham’s Son Heung-min and Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.
“To win this award for a second time is an achievement that I am really proud of,” he told Sky Sports.
“There is so much quality in the Premier League and it is a pleasure to be nominated with so many other great players who have had incredible seasons for their clubs.
“I think my performances this season have been good and I am happy that I have been able to contribute with goals and assists throughout the season.
“Thank you to all of the staff, coaches and especially my teammates because without them this wouldn’t be possible,” he added.
The 30-year-old, who first won the award in 2019/20, is only the fourth player to receive the coveted accolade on two occasions.
He follows in the footsteps of Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic, whilst his victory means the trophy has been won by a City player for the third consecutive season after Ruben Dias was recognised with the honour in the 2020/21 season.
De Bruyne has been a driving force in City’s pursuit of a sixth Premier League title, scoring 19 goals in all competitions, his best return for the club, providing 13 assists and proving himself as the man for the big occasion with crucial strikes against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.
