Tottenham forward Gareth Bale became only the third player to win player of the year award in both categories in the same year. He won both PFA and young PFA in the ceremony concluded in London last night. Earlier, Andy Gray and Cristiano Ronaldo were the only players to take two titles in the same year, and now Bale has added his name into this list. In the main award category, he defeated Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie of Manchester United among others while in young category Bale defeated Hazard, Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke, West Brom striker Romelu Lukaku, Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, and Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck. The jubilant midfielder said after receiving the honor that “It’s a massive honour. To be voted by your peers is one of the biggest things in the game. It’s great to win it and I am delighted.
“When you look at the list there are some massive names on it and the other nominees have been unbelievable this year, but I couldn’t have done it without the team. They have been fantastic this year and so has the manager. I couldn’t have won it without them so I would like to give them all a big thank you as well.”
During the ceremony, Suarez, who is serving a ten matches’ ban for biting, was repeatedly hooted by the crowd for his wicked act of shame. Along with PFA awards, Premier League team of the year was also announced and it includes Suarez, Van Persie, Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, Chelsea forwards Eden Hazard, and Juan Mata; these players were also in the main category of PFA award. Besides, Coach Eric Harrison was honored a merit award for his noble contribution in building players for Manchester United academy in early 1990s.
Bale joined Tottenham in 2007 at a deal price of £10m. During this season, he scored 19 goals in 29 played matches along with assisting in 4 others. Overall, he has made his contribution in as many as 243 crosses and seven goal shots from outside the box. Here is the gist of Premier league team of the year and Championship Team of the Year:
Premier League Team of the Year:
Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur), Juan Mata (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton), Luis Suarez (Liverpool), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Robin van Persie (Manchester United),David de Gea (Manchester United).
Championship Team of the Year:
Glenn Murray (Crystal Palace), Kieran Trippier (Burnley), Mark Hudson (Cardiff City), Matej Vydra (Watford), Peter Whittingham (Cardiff City), Thomas Ince (Blackpool), Wayne Bridge (Brighton and Hove Albion), Wes Morgan (Leicester City), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace), Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace),Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City).