Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne pipped Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min to win Premier League’s Player of the Season for the 2021-22 campaign. The Belgium international previously won the award in the 2019-20 season.

“There is so much quality in the Premier League and it is a pleasure to be nominated with so many other great players who have had incredible seasons for their clubs,” De Bruyne said.

“I think my performances this season have been good and I am happy that I have been able to contribute with goals and assists throughout the season.”

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The 30-year-old scored 15 goals in 29 games this season and has been a key player for Manchester City, who are just one win away from lifting their sixth Premier League title.

The winner is selected based on votes from the public, combined with those of the 20 Premier League club captains and a panel of football experts.

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Kevin De Bruyne’s four-goal haul against Wolves earlier this month might have swung some votes in his favour. 

After the game, Man City manager Pep Guardiola had said, “Kevin always had the ability to create the special things. Always we push him to say he is an incredible player, generous with assists, but he has to score goals and this season is the most prolific he has had since we are together. We spoke to him about running into the box and being closer to the box and this season he has done it better and better.”

Meanwhile, De Bruyne’s teammate and midfielder Phil Foden was named the league’s best young player of the season for the second year in a row.