Tottenham's Bamidele Jermaine Alli named English PFA Young Player of the Year

NIGERIAN-born midfielder Dele Alli has been named the English Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Young Player of the Year in recognition of his scintillating performances for Tottenham Hotspurs this season.

 

Alli, 20, who is only enjoying his first season of top flight football, has been so commanding this season that he has even earned a place in the England national team. Born Bamidele Jermaine Alli to Nigerian parents, he grew up in Milton Keynes in southern England and joined local club MK Dons from where he moved to Spurs.

 

Since signing from League One MK Dons last year, Alli has taken the Premier League by storm, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in 32 league appearances for Spurs. Last night, Alli beat teammate Harry Kane, Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland, Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho, and Everton duo Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley to the award.

 

Leicester City’s Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez, was named the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year at the ceremony. Another revelation, this season, Mahrez has scored 16 goals and made 11 assists, as his unfancied Leicester City side continue to lead the Premier League table with just three games left.

 

Mahrez, 25, pipped his team-mates Jamie Vardy and N’Golo Kante to the award. He now becomes the first African and Leicester player to win the prize.