MARTIN KEOWN: Why I’d have voted for Kevin De Bruyne over Mo Salah

What more did Kevin De Bruyne have to do to be crowned Player of the Year? If I was still playing he would have had my vote.

Only a few weeks ago we were all hailing Manchester City as one of the greatest sides to win the Premier League. If that is the case, it must follow that the beating heart of that team should win the top individual accolades.

The most coveted players are always the goalscorers and Mohamed Salah has been chillingly brilliant in front of goal.

Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah was named PFA Player of the Year on Sunday evening

Manchester City's superb Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne was second in the vote

Manchester City’s superb Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne was second in the vote

I certainly take nothing away from him for winning this award and we must respect the vote of our fellow professionals.

But every team needs that player in midfield who will boss the game, develop the play and create the chances for the goalscorers.

City would not be dominating in the Premier League without De Bruyne’s vision and desire to take the game to the opposition. Every game he serves up a dazzling array of balls for strikers to finish.

As great an honour as this is, I am sure De Bruyne would rather have a Premier League medal around his neck.

While I am disappointed for him, missing out this year will only spur him on to be even better next season.

Salah attended Sunday's awards ceremony with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson (left)

Salah attended Sunday’s awards ceremony with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson (left)

De Bruyne, 26, did not attend after playing in City's 5-0 win over Swansea earlier in the day

De Bruyne, 26, did not attend after playing in City’s 5-0 win over Swansea earlier in the day

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