Phil Foden has been named EA SPORTS Player of the Season for the 2023/24 season.
Foden, just 23 years old, is a central figure at Manchester City, who are just one win away from becoming the first club in their history to win four consecutive Premier League titles.
He scored 17 goals and scored a further eight, making a direct contribution to 25 goals in 34 Premier League games, helping Man City go into the final day at the top of the table, just two points behind Arsenal.
“Winning this award is a very proud achievement for me,” Foden told Man City's official website.
“The Premier League is recognized as the greatest league in the world and I am honored to have been nominated alongside so many other great players who have enjoyed a special season for their club.”
The England star plays both centrally and on the wing and has played the second-most minutes of any Man City outfield player this season, with playmaker Kevin missing more than half of City's games through injury. – Stepped up in De Bruyne's absence.
In March, Man City manager Josep Guardiola described Foden as “the best player in the Premier League”, and if City beat West Ham United on the final day, Foden would become the Premier League's sixth-time player. Became the youngest player to win the title.
This is the fifth consecutive time the Man City star has been named EA SPORTS Player of the Season. Haaland won last season, De Bruyne won in 2019/20 and 2021/22, and Ruben Dias won in 2020/21.
See also: EVERY EA SPORTS Player of the Season
Foden won this award for the first time in his career. The result of a combination of public and football expert panel votes is eight finalists, including Haaland, Alexander Isaac, Martin Odegaard, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Virgil van Dijk and Ollie Watkins. It was at the top of the list.
Panelists' remarks
Some members of the Premier League awards committee have revealed why they voted for Foden.
Alan Shearer, PL's all-time leading scorer
“His performance this season has reached a new level with the addition of goals and assists. He is an integral part of a great team.”
Mark Schwarzer, former goalie
“Phil Foden has evolved into one of the most exciting and best footballers on the planet. Whenever he has the ball it feels like the impossible is possible and at the same time you can see him slipping past defenders. His appearance never ceases to fascinate.Who wouldn't want that?''How to watch this man play? ”
Lindsay Hipgrave, TNT Sports Broadcaster
“Phil was the star player of a team that oozed with talent, which is no small feat. He took his game to another level, producing in key moments and deciding matches. Now, Pep… We can all see why Guardiola once said he was the most talented player he had ever seen. ”
Glenn Hoddle, former player and manager
“What a talent he is. I first saw him when he was 17 and I thought City had a great talent. I am confident that he will fulfill his role.”
John Cross, journalist
“It's really fun to watch. He's taken his game to new heights. With Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne out injured, and indeed after the departure of Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan last summer, the way he has stepped up and taken on greater responsibility this season is I love. He is also an inspiration to young players as he is a raw talent coming out of the academy. The club means everything to him. ”
