Manchester City Defender Ruben Dias Wins Football Writers' Association Player Of The Year Award

Manchester City's Ruben Dias became the first defender in 32 years to be named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has been voted the Football Writers' Association's footballer of the year, it was announced on Thursday. The Portugal international was a comfortable winner ahead of Tottenham forward Harry Kane and City teammate Kevin De Bruyne. Dias, 24, has enjoyed an outstanding first campaign at the Etihad Stadium since signing for around 65 million pounds ($92 million) from Benfica in September. He has helped Pep Guardiola's City win the League Cup once more, regain their Premier League title and also reach the Champions League final, where they will face Chelsea in Porto on May 29. "It is a huge privilege. Obviously I could not have done it without the success of the team," Dias said in an interview with the FWA. "I think me receiving this prize is the major example of how our team works, the way we build our game.