LONDON: Erling Haaland became the first man to win both Premier League player and young player of the year awards in the same season on Saturday.
The 22-year-old has taken just 35 appearances to set a new Premier League record of 36 goals in a single season to help Manchester City retain the title.
“I am honored to have become the first player to win both awards in the same season — thank you to everyone who voted for me,” said Haaland in a City statement.
“It has been an incredible first season in the Premier League and lifting the trophy last weekend in front of our fans at the Etihad was a very special moment for me.”
The Norwegian, who was also named the football writers’ player of the year this week, has scored 52 goals in all competitions as City close in on a treble.
Pep Guardiola’s men face Manchester United in the FA Cup final and Inter Milan in the Champions League final next month.
“These awards would not have been possible without my amazing teammates, the manager and all of the staff at the club who help me perform on the pitch,” added Haaland.
“Now we have two more finals to go and we want to finish the season strong.”
Haaland picks up Premier League player and young player prizes
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Haaland picks up Premier League player and young player prizes
- The 22-year-old has taken just 35 appearances to set a new Premier League record of 36 goals in a single season to help Manchester City retain the title
- "I am honoured to have become the first player to win both awards in the same season," said Haaland
Wissa back for DR Congo’s World Cup playoff
- The Congolese were eliminated in the round of 16 at the tournament in Morocco
- They now have a chance to become the 10th African country at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US starting in June
BRAZZAVILLE: Democratic Republic of Congo striker Yoane Wissa has returned to the squad for their World Cup playoff this month after missing the Africa Cup of Nations finals at the turn of the year.
The Newcastle United forward suffered a knee injury playing for his country against Senegal in a World Cup qualifier in early September, only returning to action in December, and was not chosen for the Cup of Nations in December and January.
The Congolese were eliminated in the round of 16 at the tournament in Morocco.
They now have a chance to become the 10th African country at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US starting in June.
They are competing in the inter-confederation playoff in Guadalajara, Mexico on March 31 against either Jamaica or New Caledonia, who meet five days earlier.
The winners of the March 31 game qualify for the World Cup and will be in Group K with Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan.
DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre named 26 players for the playoff with defender Dylan Batubinsika of Greek side AEL and Watford right back Jeremy Ngakia returning.
Elche’s former England under-21 midfielder Grady Diangana, who missed the Cup of Nations finals, is also included.
