Manchester City centre-back Ruben Dias has become the first defender in 32 years to win the Football Writers' Player of the Year Award.
Dias only joined the club from Benfica back in September, but has been instrumental in City's march to the Premier League title and Champions League final.
The Portuguese international topped the poll of over 400 FWA members and follows in the footsteps of his City team-mate Raheem Sterling, who won the gong two years ago.
Dias is only the third player after Jurgen Klinsmann and Gianfranco Zola to win the award in a first season at a club.
The 24-year-old, who celebrated his birthday this week, cost City €68 million, which now seems like a bargain.
He has made 48 appearances for City in all competitions this season, and a partnership with John Stones has seen Pep Guardiola's side become very solid defensively.
Steve Nicol was the last defender to win the FWA honour back in 1989.
Dias said: “It’s a huge privilege. I’m very, very happy. It’s the same as always: obviously, I could not have done it without the success of the team – everyone in the team being able to deserve this award. Only by that was I – as a defender – able to be here to receive this prize.
“It means something special because normally, the ones who finish the plays are the ones getting the spotlight but me receiving this prize is a major example of our team and the way we work – the way we build our game. It reflects all the togetherness we have on the pitch, the spirit in the team and how we perform.
“With these players, for me to be receiving this award, it shows how we play like a family.”
Dias will also be one of the favourites for the PFA Player of the Year Award, to be voted on by his peers.
