Ruben Dias has capped off an impressive season for Manchester City by clinching a major award for himself.
Manchester City star Ruben Dias has been named the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year after winning the Premier League title during a brilliant debut season with the club.
The Portuguese defender has made 31 top-flight appearances for Pep Guardiola’s triumphant side after joining for a club-record £65m from Benfica last September.
Ruben Dias takes over from Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson as the reigning FWA Footballer of the Year after edging out Tottenham striker Harry Kane and City teammate Kevin De Bruyne in a vote of almost 700 members.
In total, nine City players received votes which accounted for over half of all votes cast.
The prestigious accolade – which was first awarded in 1948 – recognizes the outstanding performer in English top-flight football and Dias is the first defender to win it since former Liverpool right-back Steve Nicol in 1989.
Speaking after his award, Dias said: “It’s a huge privilege, I’m very, very happy.
“I could not have done it without the success of the team, without everyone in the team deserving this award. Only by that, as a defender, am I able to be here to receive this prize.”
“Essentially, when I came I wanted to meet everyone as fast as possible, understand how the team plays.
“I knew the manager and the players, I knew a bit about the philosophy of the club because I am fan of football and I know City from the last few years.
“I had an idea of what I was coming to and I wanted to integrate myself as fast as possible.”
“It means something because normally the ones who finish off the plays get the spotlight, but me receiving this award is a major example of our team.”
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