This is surprising but, when you think about it, he deserves it.
10 players made the shortlist for the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year and one of them plays for Burnley.
Liverpool’s Mo Salah has been named the FWA Player of the Year. The news comes days after the Egyptian international also picked up the PFA Player of the Year award.
Salah moved to Anfield from Roma last summer, having previously played in the Premier League with Chelsea.
Despite failing to make an impact with the west London club, the 25-year-old has enjoyed an incredible debut season for Jürgen Klopp’s side – scoring 43 goals in all competitions and equalling the Premier League scoring record jointly held by Alan Shearer, Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Although he failed to score in the goalless draw with Stoke City at the weekend, Salah has two more opportunities to break the record in Liverpool’s remaining league fixtures – away to Chelsea on Sunday and at home to Brighton on the final day of the season.
In the Champions League, Salah has helped his side to the brink of the final, scoring twice against former club Roma in a 5-2 first leg semi-final victory at Anfield last week. He and his teammates will hope to seal their place in Kiev in the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night.
Salah got over 90% of the final vote. Kevin De Bruyne, who has also enjoyed an impressive season in helping Manchester City to the Premier League title, came runner-up in the FWA Award.
There were a few surprise names in the shortlist of 10 – Jan Vertonghen, Christian Erikesen and Nick Pope.
A total of 10 players received votes for Footballer of the Year. After @MoSalah and @DeBruyneKev came @HKane in 3rd. The rest in alphabetical order, were Sergio Aguero, Christian Eriksen, Roberto Firmino, Nick Pope, David Silva, Raheem Sterling and Jan Vertonghen.
#FOTY2018— The Football Writers' Association (@theofficialfwa) May 1, 2018
In fairness to Pope, he has enjoyed a fine season in goal for Burnley and has edged Tom Heaton out of the picture, since his return from injury. His save percentage of 80% is second only to Manchester United’s David De Gea, who did not make the FWA top 10.
Pope’s form could yet see him make Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad.
