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Gerrard wins Writers' Award
The Liverpool captain is named England's Footballer of the Year.
Last Modified: 13 May 2009 07:57 GMT

Steven Gerrard becomes the first Liverpool player in 19 years to  win the award [AFP]
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been named England's Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association (FWA).

The 28-year-old England midfielder won the FWA poll ahead of Manchester United pair Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.

Giggs was named the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year last month.

The FWA award, the oldest of its type in Europe, has been running since 1948 and Gerrard is the first Liverpool player to win it since John Barnes in 1990, the last time the Anfield club won the top-flight title.

Career best

Gerrard has scored 23 goals in all competitions for Liverpool this season, the best tally of his career with two Premier League matches remaining.

"Steven's performances this season have been of the highest quality. His drive and desire have underpinned Liverpool's Premier League title challenge and ensured a tight finish to the season," FWA chairman Steve Bates said.

"Steven is clearly in his prime and quite rightly rated one of the finest midfield players of his generation and the FWA are delighted to honour his contribution to club and country."

He will receive his award at the FWA's gala dinner in London on May 29, the day before his 29th birthday.

Source:
Agencies
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