Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was named the Football Writersâ Association player of the year on Friday for his role in leading the Reds to their first league title in 30 years.
The 30-year-old beat Manchester Cityâs Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and teammates Virgil Van Dijk and Sadio Mane to the prize.
As well as making his presence felt in 30 Premier League games this season as Liverpool have surged to the title with an 18-point lead at the top of the table, Henderson led by example off the pitch during footballâs three-month coronavirus shutdown.
He spearheaded the PlayersTogether initiative during the lockdown which saw players team up to raise money for Britainâs National Health Service.
âI accept it on behalf of this whole squad, because without them Iâm not in a position to be receiving this honour. These lads have made me a better player, a better leader and a better person,â said Henderson.
âIf anything I hope those who voted for me did so partly to recognise the entire teamâs contribution.â
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to his skipper, who he described as the perfect blend between having talent and a great attitude.
âOne of the big questions in football is, âWhat makes a proper player?â or, âWhat is more important: is it talent or is it attitude?â. I think the easy answer is that without talent you are nothing, without attitude you will stay a talent forever,â Klopp said in a video message to Henderson.
âSo you are the perfect example that the mix makes the difference.â
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âEverybody saw what a great player you are, everybody saw what a great personality you are, what a great character you are. I know the human being behind the player â you would deserve an award for that as well.Â
âWhat a year you had, what a career so far you had, and the best news: thereâs still a lot to come.â
City boss Pep Guardiola said De Bruyneâs outstanding season spoke for itself with the Belgian just one short of Thierry Henryâs record of 20 assists in a Premier League season.
âI think he speaks for himself with what he gives us to our team and the Premier League. It is not necessary to say what a fantastic player he is,â said Guardiola.
âAt the same time congratulations to the captain of Liverpool for the award. He is a really good player.â
As well as the top five, 10 other players received votes from FWA members.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Raheem Sterling, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Sergio Aguero, Adama Traore, Danny Ings, Jack Grealish, James Maddison, and Jonny Evans were all nominated.
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