It is official: Erling Haaland is the recipient of the PFA Player of the Year award following his outstanding debut season for Manchester City.
Despite initial doubts surrounding his Premier League arrival and whether he could maintain his breathtaking Bundesliga form, the Norwegian sensation broke records in the English top flight, scoring the most goals in a single season in the competition's history.
The former Dortmund ace netted a whopping 52 goals across all competitions for the Cityzens and led the club to the treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and the elusive UEFA Champions League. Guardiola's side followed this up with a UEFA Super Cup victory, though the English giants missed out on the Community Shield to Arsenal.
As a result, it came as no surprise to see Haaland with the Player of the Year prize, and with that gong, he equaled a record set by one former Manchester United superstar.
That man is Ruud van Nistelrooy, one of the deadliest goalscorers in the early 2000s. What the two share in common is that they are the only players in Premier League history to win the Player of the Year prize in their debut season in England.
Erling Haaland has become only the second player to win the PFA Player of the Year award in his debut season in England, joining Ruud van Nistelrooy. #PFAawards pic.twitter.com/NEbrqObxyN
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 29, 2023
Erling also made it onto the Team of the Year but missed out on the Young Player of the Year award to Bukayo Saka following the Englishman's spectacular campaign with Arsenal.
Regardless, the Norwegian will not lose any sleep over this. In fact, he has already hit the ground running again, scoring three goals in his first three league games this term.
Next up for Haaland and his Man City side is a home clash with Fulham. The Cottagers recently drew 2-2 away to Arsenal before beating Tottenham on penalties in the Carabao Cup, meaning they should be high on confidence. This game will take place live on Saturday on Peacock just before the international break.
