Kevin De Bruyne has been crowned the PFA Players’ Player of the Year for the 2019/20 Premier League season.The Manchester City star beat out competition from four Liverpool players to receive the award. For the first time ever, the ceremony was held in a virtual format owing to the coronavirus pandemic.Indeed, with all eyes set on the new season, it’s feels strange to remember the one just gone.But Covid-19 meant a delayed finish to the campaign and the annual PFA awards had to be pushed back, too.But that won’t make the feeling of success any less sweeter for De Bruyne.
The shortlist for the men’s Players’ Player of the Year award included four Liverpool players: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk, who took home the prize in 2019.
They were joined in the running by Manchester City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling.
De Bruyne was sublime for the runners-up. The Belgian playmaker tied Thierry Henry’s record for most assists in a single Premier League campaign with 20 and established himself as arguably the best midfielder in the world.
Meanwhile, Sterling enjoyed the best season of his career in front of goal. The England international scored 20 goals in 33 appearances.
Liverpool’s Henderson was named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year back in July after captaining the Reds to the title.
His leadership qualities really came to the fore last season and seeing him lift the trophy after overcoming all the doubts and criticism was special.
Henderson was helped along the way by some immaculate performances by Van Dijk, Mane and Alexander-Arnold.
Van Dijk was at his imperious best once again while Mane scored 18 goals in the league.
Alexander-Arnold also contributed 13 assists as he took another step towards greatness.
However, it wasn't enough to prevent De Bruyne from claiming the award.