Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was named the Football Writers’ Association player of the year on Friday for leading the Reds to their first league title in 30 years.
The 30-year-old
beat Manchester City’s 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 football’s three-month shutdown due to
coronavirus.
He spearheaded the
PlayersTogether initiative during the lockdown which saw players team up with
to raise money for Britain’s National Health Service.
“I accept it on
behalf of this whole squad, because without them I’m not in a position to be
receiving this honour. These lads have made me a better player, a better leader
and a better person,” said Henderson.
“If anything I hope
those who voted for me did so partly to recognise the entire team’s
contribution.”
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.