Posted: 19:26, 9 June 2022 | Updated: 19:56, 9 June 2022
Phil Fontaine won the PFA Player of the Year award for the second consecutive season after starring in the Manchester City Premier League title triumph. Fontaine, 22, scored nine goals and five assists as City won their fourth crown in five seasons under coach Pep Guardiola. The English international was selected for the prize in front of Conor Gallagher, who impressed for Crystal Palace while on loan from Chelsea, Reece James, also from Chelsea, Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa and Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. Phil Foden won the PFA Young Player of the Year award after winning the Premier League Fontaine becomes the sixth player to win the PFA Young Player of the Year, along with Ryan Giggs, Robbie Fowler, Wayne Rooney, Dele Alli and Lauren Hemp. Alli was the last player to claim the prize in consecutive seasons, having achieved the feat in 2017. Fontaine is one of the most versatile players at the Etihad and the crucial win against Brentford and Everton has shown how influential he can be for both the team and the country. He was also named as the new player of the season in the Premier League last month. Fontaine scored nine goals and provided five assists as City won their fourth crown in five seasons. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (L) and Emile Smith-Rowe (R) were among the nominees for the award, among others.
PHIL FODEN SEASON 2021-22
Appearances (all packages): 45 Objectives: 14 Assists: 11 DISTINCTIONS: Premier League “It’s really my honor to be honest, especially that I’m winning it all the time, it shows that I have come a long way this year with the consistency of my game and I’m very happy to win it again. Said Fontaine. “All the best players in the world have to be consistent and continue to perform at a higher level, and this year I tried to do that and I tried to help my team as much as possible – I’m very happy with my performances this year. “I hope I can win the main prize in the future, but all I need to do is take small steps and improve. “I always like to win individual awards, it’s just nice to look at it and see how far you have come, so, yes, I’m very happy.” Smith Rowe and Saka were key players in an improved Arsenal team under Mikel Arteta who lost little to Tottenham Hotspur rivals for a place in the top four of the Premier League and look ready to start in the future. Ramsey was forced to join Aston Villa under Steven Gerrard, having played only one role during the 2020-21 season, while Gallagher’s good form at Selhurst Park led to his first call-up to England and his next three appearances. Jacob Ramsey’s wonderful season for Aston Villa nominated him for the annual award James has also enjoyed another solid season in the first division as a right back at Chelsea’s back, as the Blues finished third under Thomas Tuchel. Although voting now has modern methods that involve submitting player applications online or through an application, the archaic early closing of the ballot box comes despite the prizes, which are held as a virtual event and do not take place until tonight. The PFA says the vote was closed early due to logistical concerns about interviewing the winners, although no one will attend the event, with some questioning whether this should be a priority. Conor Gallagher impressed on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea last season
