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Leroy Sane Wins 2018 PFA Young Player of the Year Award over Harry Kane, More

James Dudko

Manchester City winger Leroy Sane was named 2018 Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year at the annual ceremony in London on Sunday after finishing ahead of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane and City team-mate Raheem Sterling.

The award was confirmed on the PFA official Twitter account:

Sane used social media to thank City supporters after collecting his prize:

He claimed the award after scoring 13 goals and providing 14 assists across all competitions during his second season with the club. The 22-year-old's contributions in the final third helped City win the Premier League title and lift the Carabao Cup.

In the process, Sane managed to match a record previously achieved by one of the game's biggest players, according to OptaJoe:

It also marked a rare achievement for a player representing City to be honoured this way, per Sky Sports Statto:

Despite his exceptional campaign, it's somewhat surprising Sane took the award ahead of Sterling. The latter has enjoyed a breakout season in front of goal, per Squawka Football:

Kane, whose nomination caused some controversy since he will be 25 in July, has also had a prolific season, scoring 37 times in all competitions.

Regardless of the merit of his nomination, James Robson of the Manchester Evening News felt beating the Spurs forward marks a laudable achievement in its own right:

There's no doubt Sane is an emerging star. His close control, technique and acceleration are helping make the initial £37 million City paid Schalke 04 to sign him in 2016 look like a true bargain in this market.

Sane has everything he needs to get better on the watch of progressive manager Pep Guardiola.

   

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