Erling Haaland Beats Saka, Odegaard to FWA Award

 
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has won the Football Writers’ Association’s Footballer of the Year.
 
Chelsea striker Sam Kerr received the women’s award.
 
Haaland, 22, has enjoyed a superb first season with City, scoring 51 goals in all competitions to help Pep Guardiola’s side top the Premier League and reach the FA Cup final as well as the semi-finals of the Champions League.
 
The Norway international received 82 per cent of the FWA vote, ahead of Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
 
He said: “To win the FWA award in my first season in English football is an honour.

“I try every single day to be the best I can be and to be recognised like this means a lot to me.

“I have loved my time at City so far. My team-mates are incredible and provide me with the chances to score goals.

“I want to thank all of them because I could not have won this award without them. I also owe so much to Pep and the team behind the team here at City.

“I am now focused on ensuring I finish the season as strongly as possible and helping City win trophies.”

Australia striker Kerr, 29, has won the women’s Footballer of the Year award for the second successive season, with Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly and Chelsea team-mate Lauren James completing the top three.
 
Kerr currently has 26 goals in 34 club appearances this season as Chelsea, currently second in the Women’s Super League table, reached the FA Cup final and also the semi-finals of the Champions League.
 
Haaland and Kerr are set to receive their awards at the FWA Footballer of the Year 75th anniversary dinner in London on May 25.