The FIFTEEN players who earned votes for the Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year award

Erling Haaland took the Football Writers’ Association’s Footballer of the Year crown – but 14 other players also won first place votes.

The Man City star has been in a league of his own this season, shattering records and has 51 goals from 47 games so far.

But not all of the 800 voters were convinced as while Haaland bagged 82 per cent of the vote – a record since the Premier League began – Leicester’s James Maddison, Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Manchester United’s Casemiro are among some eyebrow-raising selections. 

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka finished as runner-up to Haaland, with his Gunners team-mate Martin Odegaard third, after their brilliant seasons. 

Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne finished fourth, with Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford fifth.  

But it is some of the names outside the top five, seen by Mail Sport, that has proven head scratching. 

The selection of Maddison is an interesting one, with Leicester down in 18th place and staring relegation to the Championship in the face.

Individually he has delivered nine assists and 10 goals in the league this season, putting him fourth in the assists chart behind De Bruyne, Saka and Leandro Trossard.

But he has come in for heavy criticism in recent weeks for failing to help steer Leicester away from the relegation battle, with their most recent defeat a 5-3 loss at Fulham.

There were also first place votes for Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who finished outside the top five, Declan Rice, Mohamed Salah, who won the award last year, and Newcastle United full-back Kieran Trippier.

Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka, along with two of Haaland’s City team-mates, Rodri and John Stones, also earned selections to be Footballer of the Year.

Haaland has unanimously been picked, though, having played 47 games this season, bagging 51 goals, including six hat-tricks. 

Fifty of his goals have come inside the box and he is averaging a goal every 72 minutes. 

‘To win the Football Writers’ Award in my first season in English football is an honour,’ Haaland said. 

‘I try every single day to be the best I can be, and to be recognised like this means a lot to me.

‘I have loved my time at City so far – my teammates are incredible, and they provide me with the chances to score goals. 

‘I want to thank all of them, because I could not have won this award without them.’

He added: ‘I also owe so much to Pep and the team behind the team here at City. 

‘Everybody has been so good to me since I joined and I have never worked with such top professionals.

‘Thank you to everyone who voted for me. It’s a real honour to have won this award. 

‘I am now focused on ensuring I finish the season as strongly as possible and helping City win trophies.’

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