Alli named PFA Young Player of the Year
Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli was named the PFA Young Player of the Year after registering 10 goals and 12 assists in his debut campaign in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old beat teammate Harry Kane to the prize, as well as Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland, Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho and Everton duo Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley.
Alli was unable to collect the award in person, with Spurs hosting West Brom on Monday, but Ossie Ardiles picked it up on his behalf and the youngster sent a video message.
Proud to have won @PFA young player of the year! Thanks to everyone that voted. The hard work doesn’t stop��#COYS pic.twitter.com/wFpp4q3hKc
– Dele Alli (@Dele_Alli) April 24, 2016
“Thank you Ossie, the Tottenham legend for receiving this award for me,” Alli said.
“Sorry I can’t be there tonight, but we have a big game tomorrow. Thank you for to everyone who voted for me.
“I feel honoured to win such a prestigious award and thank you to my friends, family and all the staff at Tottenham.”
Perhaps Alli’s finest moment this season came against Crystal Palace in January, when he cushioned the ball on his knee, flicked it over his head and volleyed home from outside the penalty area.
England manager Roy Hodgson handed the midfielder his international debut against Estonia in October and a month later he scored his first goal for his country, finding the top corner against France at Wembley.
Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Izzy Christiansen won the PFA Women’s Player of the Year award, Sunderland forward Beth Mead took the Women’s Young Player of the Year award and Ryan Giggs was handed the PFA Merit award.
