LONDON — Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) men’s player of the year, while Chelsea winger Cole Palmer claimed the young player of the year award. This marks the first time since the 2009-10 season that both men’s awards have gone to English players.
Foden, 23, expressed his gratitude for the honor, saying, “To win this award is something very special and it is one that I am very proud of and grateful for. To be recognized this way by your fellow professionals means everything and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me.”
The Stockport-born playmaker scored 19 goals in 35 Premier League appearances during the 2023-24 season, helping Manchester City secure their fourth consecutive league title. At 23, Foden became the youngest player to have won six Premier League titles. This accolade adds to his already impressive collection, which includes the 2023-24 Premier League player of the season award and the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) footballer of the year.
Foden’s victory came against stiff competition, including his City teammates Erling Haaland (last year’s winner) and Rodri, as well as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Cole Palmer, 22, may have missed out on the main award but secured the young player of the year honor after an outstanding debut season with Chelsea. The winger netted 22 goals in 34 Premier League appearances, earning him a spot in the England squad for Euro 2024, where he scored in the final against Spain.
Palmer edged out Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, former Crystal Palace player Michael Olise, and Brighton’s Joao Pedro for the young player award.
In the women’s categories, Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw was named player of the year, while Manchester United’s Grace Clinton took home the young player of the year award.
The PFA Premier League team of the year, as voted for by players, reflects the dominance of Manchester City and Arsenal in the 2023-24 season. The champions, Manchester City, are represented by Kyle Walker, Rodri, Erling Haaland, and Phil Foden. Arsenal, who pushed City close in the title race, see David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard included.
Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins round out the team, providing representation for clubs outside the top two.
The full PFA Premier League team of the year is as follows:
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)
Defenders: William Saliba (Arsenal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Gabriel (Arsenal), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
This year’s awards highlight the continued excellence of established stars like Foden and the emergence of young talents like Palmer. The dominance of Manchester City and Arsenal players in the team of the year underscores their strong performances throughout the season, setting the stage for what promises to be another competitive Premier League campaign in the coming year.
BBC
