Fans have reacted with anger after Manchester City defender Ruben Dias was named Premier League Player of the Year – as they believed Harry Kane was more worthy of the award.
Portuguese defender Dias was crowned as the league’s best player by England’s top-flight on Saturday after being a standout player in Pep Guardiola’s defence as City romped to the title.
But supporters expressed their disapproval of the choice for the award, even though the prize was partly decided by a fan vote, as they believed England captain Kane – who finished the year as top goalscorer and assist maker – deserved it more.
One fan tweeted: ‘Harry Kane ROBBED, Dias impact has been so overstated he’s been nowhere Van Dijk levels, Harry Kane led the league in goals AND assists’
Another supporter posted: ‘Ruben Dias PL player of the season? Harry Kane brutally robbed.’
Meanwhile, one fan said: ‘Ruben Dias winning PL POTS over PL top goal scorer and playmaker Harry Kane is the biggest joke I’ve ever witnessed. Most overrated defender in the world.’
Another claimed: ‘Respect to Dias he was good, but Kane was better. It just shows that PL is biased towards team trophy instead of Individual excellence. LaLiga >>>>>’
The 24-year-old enjoyed an outstanding debut season in the Premier League after joining for £65million from Benfica last September.
The Manchester City defender kept 15 clean sheets in 32 matches this season, as Guardiola’s side won the title by 12 points, clinching the achievement on May 11 with three games to go.
The award was decided by a mixture of fan votes and advice given from an expert panel of judges. Dias was also crowned the Football Writers’ Player of the Year last month for his role at title-winners City.
England captain Kane finished as the league’s top goalscorer and assist maker this season, with 23 goals and 14 set-ups for Tottenham this term. However, Tottenham ended up finishing in seventh place this season.
Diasalso pipped City team-mate Kevin de Bruyne to the award, with the Belgian midfielder being the only other City player to be nominated alongside Dias.
There was no place in the shortlist for Ilkay Gundogan, who scored 11 goals in 11 matches over the winter to propel Guardiola’s side up the table.
England trio Kane, of Tottenham, Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and Chelsea star Mason Mount were also listed along with Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek.
