“Gave an incredible performance” - Rodri names Manchester City superstar who should’ve beaten Phil Foden to PL POTY award
Manchester City midfielder Rodri believes Argentine forward and teammate Julian Alvarez deserved to win the Premier League Player of the Season award. Phil Foden, who scored 19 goals and provided eight assists, was honored with the 2023/24 EA SPORTS Player of the Season award.
Manchester City clinched the Premier League title for the fourth time in a row with their 3-1 victory over West Ham United, marking another remarkable chapter in the club's storied success. Phil Foden, at just 23 years old, has been instrumental in their latest triumph, scoring 19 goals and providing eight assists throughout the season.
However, Man City's midfield maestro Rodri had a different opinion for the Player of the Season award. During the title celebrations, Rodri took a moment to speak to ESPN Argentina, where he lauded forward Julian Alvarez’s exceptional performance this season. He said:
"Julián came last year and has already had an incredible performance, it’s not easy to adapt. He is one of the best forwards in the world and this year he has been one of the most important."
The Spaniard emphasized Alvarez’s versatility that came clutch for City, especially at a time when the club were without their star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. Rodri said:
"With the loss of Kevin (De Bruyne), he appeared in a position that he was not used to and gave an incredible performance to the team. For me, he is one of the players of the season and above all, for the years to come at this club."
Alvarez signed for the club in January of 2022 for a reported fee of £14 million. The former River Plate striker was crucial in Manchester City's title triumph, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists in 36 games.
What did Manchester City star Phil Foden say after winning the POTY?
Coming through City's academy, Foden won his first ever Premier League POTY award at the age of 23. He became the fifth consecutive City player to clinch this award. Reflecting on his achievement, Foden told Manchester City's official website:
"To win this award is an achievement that I am extremely proud of. The Premier League is acknowledged as the greatest league in the world, and it is a pleasure to have been nominated with so many other great players who have all enjoyed special seasons for their clubs."
He added:
"Overall, I’ve been very happy with the way I have played this season and really pleased that I have been able to contribute with the goals and assists throughout the season.
Phil Foden is now a six-time Premier League champion, surpassing the tally of club legend Sergio Aguero. In addition to his league successes, Foden boasts a Champions League title, achieved during City's treble-winning campaign last season.