Mahrez scoops PFA Player of the Year award

By
Ebenezer Adaramodu
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Leicester City midfielder, Riyad Mahrez, has been awarded the PFA Player of the Year for 2016 to cap of a fantastic season.

The 25-year-old held off competition from Dimitri Payet, Harry Kane, Mesut Ozil and Leicester teammates, Jamie Vardy and N’Golo Kante, to win the coveted prize.

The award was presented to him at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on Sunday after contributing 17 goals and 11 assists to the Foxes’ fairytale campaign.

The Algerian, who was flown down by helicopter to the ceremony from the King Power Stadium dedicated the award to all his Leicester teammates.

“It’s the team spirit, and I want to dedicate it to them,” Mahrez said.

“All the credit is for them, seriously.

“And for my manager and the staff. Without them I wouldn’t receive this award and I wouldn’t score. It’s the team spirit, and I want to dedicate it to them.

“I’m very grateful to receive this award, it’s a pleasure. It’s extra special because if the players vote for me it’s because they’ve seen I’ve been great this year so I’m happy.

“But it’s more team things. Without my teammates I wouldn’t get this award,” Mahrez added.

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli won the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

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.

“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 on Monday. 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.”

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.

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