TheCable

Kevin de Bruyne, Manchester City midfielder, has been named the English Premier League (EPL) player of the season.

The 29-year-old was declared winner in a shortlist that included Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane, all Liverpool players.

Southampton’s Danny Ings, Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy and Burnley’s Nick Pope were also on the shortlist.

De Bruyne is the third Belgian in the last ten years to win the award after Vincent Kompany and Eden Hazard previous successes.

De Bruyne emerged winner after votes from the public were combined with those of the 20 Premier League club captains and a panel of football experts.

The former Chelsea player scored 13 goals in a season Man City failed to defend their EPL title, finishing second in the top flight behind Liverpool, the new champions.

He also equalled the league’s record of 20 assists in a season set by Thierry Henry, former Arsenal forward, in the 2002-03 season.

De Bruyne made 35 appearances in the just-concluded season, missing only three games.