Ruben Dias wins Premier League Player of the Season award

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has won the Premier League Player of the Season and his second award in as many months.

Ruben Dias has won the Premier League Player of the Season award following an impressive debut campaign.

The 24-year-old had a superb season upon completing a €68 million transfer from Benfica in September. He was critical in Manchester City’s improved defense on route to Premier League glory and won the Football Writers’ Association men’s Player of the Year in May.

Dias has now become only the fourth defender to win the Premier League Player of the season after Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), and Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool).

Announcing himself to the #PL in 𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 😎

👏 Introducing your 2020/21 @EASPORTSFIFA Player of the Season: @rubendias 👏#PLAwards pic.twitter.com/FCvr2Jg1w1

— Premier League (@premierleague) June 5, 2021

Who else was in contention?

Dias was part of an eight-man shortlist for the Premier League Player of the Season award. This included City teammate Kevin De Bruyne, who won the award last season.

Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who scooped the Golden Boot and Playmaker of the season prizes, was also in the running.

The remaining five candidates were Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Tomas Soucek (West Ham), and Mason Mount (Chelsea).