Robin van Persie wins PFA Player of the Year

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has been crowned the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year, while Tottenham’s Kyle Walker has scooped the Young Player award.

Van Persie, who has netted a staggering 38 goals for club and country this season, beat off stiff competition from the likes of Sergio Aguero and Wayne Rooney to land the prize for the first time. The other nominees were David Silva, Joe Hart and Scott Parker.

“If other people are saying it, it is special, but it is even more special if your opponents are saying it,” said Van Persie.

“It is very special because you are playing against them week in week out and every single player does everything to win and in the end if they make up their minds that I’m the best player it is a big honour.”

The 28-year-old Netherlands international became the 17th player to score 100 goals for Arsenal this term and beat Thierry Henry’s record for the most goals scored in a calendar year.

Spurs right-back Walker scooped the Young Player prize ahead of Gareth Bale, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck and Sergio Aguero.

Last year’s winners were Bale and Jack Wilshere, meaning that Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have locked out the awards for the second season running.

PFA Premier League team of the year

Joe Hart (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Leighton Baines (Everton), David Silva (Manchester City), Yaya Toure (Manchester City), Gareth Bale (Tottenham), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Wayne Rooney (Manchester Utd)