Henry named player of the year
Arsenal striker Thierry Henry was tonight named PFA Player of the
Year by his fellow professionals.
Thierry Henry: Player of the Year (JohnWalton/Empics)
The 25-year-old French international was rewarded by the
Professional Footballers Association for his scintillating form
this season and his 34 goals for his club, who trail Manchester
United by five points going into the final two weeks of the
campaign.
Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas was named PFA Young Player of
the Year, only 15 months after his£5million move from First
Division Nottingham Forest.
Henry said: 'This means a lot to me because the other players have
voted for me. They all know better than anyone else because they
play against me and they must have noticed something, so I'm happy
they have noticed something.
'It's never easy when you come from another country to get people
to like you but, at the end of the day, the most important thing is
football, no matter which country you are from. We are all trying
to play the same and to do well on the pitch, so nationality
doesn't really matter.'
The 2002 PFA Player of the Year, Ruud van Nistelrooy, scored his
40th goal of the season for Manchester United in the 2-0 win at
Tottenham today, and was on the shortlist of nominees for the award
along with Southampton striker James Beattie, United team-mate Paul
Scholes, Newcastle striker Alan Shearer and Chelsea forward
Gianfranco Zola.
Henry admitted: 'There were some great names on the shortlist and
some equally good ones who didn't make it, but that's because there
are so many great players in the English League and that is why I
am so happy to win this.
'It means a lot when the players vote for you.'
The 20-year-old Jenas has become a mainstay in the Newcastle
midfield as Sir Bobby Robson's men bid to qualify for the Champions
League for the second consecutive season.
He fought off competition from Everton's teenage prodigy Wayne
Rooney to land the prestigious prize.
'This means a lot to me, it is a massive achievement,' said Jenas.
'I felt I'd had a good season but to win this shows me what the
other players think of me and it's a great achievement.
'I was slightly surprised but I knew I'd be in the running because
I believe in my own ability and I was hoping I would be up there
and it is so nice to win it.'
Jenas, who made his England debut against Australia in February,
follows in the footsteps of Newcastle team-mate Craig Bellamy, who
won the award last season.
The Welsh international was also on the shortlist for this year's
award, along with Rooney, West Ham striker Jermain Defoe,
Manchester United defender John O'Shea and Charlton midfielder
Scott Parker.
'I'm hoping to follow in the footsteps of previous winners because
I've joined a list of great names and that's an honour in itself,
and it will be even better if I can go on and aspire to the types
of career of previous winners.
'It has all come thick and fast but I've loved every minute of it.
Making my England debut was special, especially getting man of the
match, and it has been great playing in the Champions League, which
has helped me develop my game - and that is why I am here
today.'
PREMIERSHIP
BRAD FRIEDEL - Blackburn He had a magnificent World Cup for the USA
last summer, where he was widely recognised as the one of the
outstanding goalkeepers of the competition and has continued his
fine form into this season's Premiership. An exceptional
shot-stopper with excellent reflexes, he arrived at Ewood Park from
Liverpool on a free transfer in November 2000.
STEPHEN CARR - Tottenham Missed the whole of last season through
injury and only returned to first-team action in January. A
full-back who loves to get forward, the Republic of Ireland
international remains a big favourite with the White Hart Lane
faithful.
ASHLEY COLE - Arsenal He joined Arsenal as a trainee in 1998, and
after been capped by his country at youth and under-21 levels, he
has now established himself as England's first-choice left-back at
senior level. Effective in the tackle and capable of making surging
runs forward.
SOL CAMPBELL - Arsenal After making the controversial move from
Tottenham to north London rivals Arsenal in 2001, he has
established himself as one of the best central defenders in Europe.
A cornerstone of the Gunners' double-winning side last season, he
is also a key figure in England's national team.
WILLIAM GALLAS - Chelsea He arrived at Stamford Bridge from
Marseille in July 2001 for £6.2million. A player who possesses
exceptional pace, he is comfortable anywhere in the back four, and
his form this season has been a major reason for Chelsea's
successful campaign.
PATRICK VIEIRA - Arsenal Joined the Gunners in 1996 for a fee of
£3.5million from AC Milan. A skilful and determined player, he has
taken on the responsibility of club captain following the
retirement of Tony Adams last season. A regular in the French
national team, he remains the driving force in the Arsenal engine
room.
PAUL SCHOLES - Manchester United Joined Manchester United as a
trainee in July 1991, before quickly establishing himself as a
first-team regular at Old Trafford. A player with wonderful skill
and vision, he continues to score vital goals for both club and
country. He has also received a nomination for Player's Player of
the Year.
ROBERT PIRES - Arsenal This skilful wide midfield player joined
Arsenal from Marseille in July 2000 for a fee of £6million. Last
year, the France international's campaign was cut short by a
serious knee injury, but his return to fitness earlier this season
was a major boost to the Gunners' quest for glory.
KIERON DYER - Newcastle He arrived at St James' Park from Ipswich
in July 1999 for a fee of £6million. A player with terrific energy
and an impressive turn of pace, the England international can play
in a number of different positions across midfield.
ALAN SHEARER - Newcastle The former England captain has had another
outstanding campaign in what has been an impressive season for the
Magpies. Throughout his illustrious career he has scored more
Premiership goals than any other player and has also been nominated
for the Players' Player of the Year, an award he previously won in
1995 and 1997.
THIERRY HENRY - Arsenal A £10million signing from Juventus in 1999,
the France international has established himself as one of the most
feared strikers in Europe. A player with great close control and an
electric change of pace, he is celebrating his second-successive
nomination in the Premiership team of the season.
