Erling Haaland officially wins the Premier League Golden Boot following record-breaking debut campaign with Manchester City, while Kevin De Bruyne claims Playmaker award
Erling Haaland has officially been crowned Premier League Golden Boot winner for the 2022-23 campaign.
The record-breaking striker was unable to improve his tally of 36 goals, as he was left on the bench as Manchester City finished their league campaign with a 1-0 defeat away at Brentford.
His team-mate Kevin De Bruyne – who was left out of the squad entirely against Brentford – meanwhile claims the Playmaker award for the most assists with 16.
Haaland, still only 22 years old – and in his debut campaign having signed from Borussia Dortmund last summer – has set an almost unthinkable benchmark, having become the highest scoring player in a single league season after smashing Alan Shearer‘s 35-goal record.
He finishes the campaign six goals ahead of his closest competitor, Harry Kane, who also enjoyed a fine season individually, despite playing in a faltering Tottenham side, finishing on 30 after his brace against Leeds.
Erling Haaland has claimed the 2022-23 Premier League Goldeb Boot award with 36 goals
Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne takes the Playmaker award after providing 16 assists this season
The Golden Boot is just the latest award in Haaland’s ever-growing collection, having also become the first player to be awarded both Player of the Season and Young Player of the Year in the Premier League’s annual awards.
Haaland also claimed the Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year in early May and lifts his first Premier League trophy with Manchester City on Sunday.
The Norwegian will now turn his attention to City’s upcoming cup finals against Manchester United in the FA Cup and Inter Milan in the Champions League, with the Premier League champions chasing an historic Treble.
As will De Bruyne, 31, who has enjoyed another stunning campaign in the City midfield and once again proven crucial to his side’s success.
Haaland, speaking on Thursday night, namechecked De Bruyne as he insisted he couldn’t do it without his team-mates.
Haaland was named the Football Writers’ Association footballer of the year on Thursday
The striker said his bicycle kick against Southampton in April was his favourite goal this season
‘I have to thank my team-mates, without the passes of Kevin [De Bruyne], the passes I’ve been getting this year it would not be possible,’ he said.
‘I just have to thank all the staff at the club and my team-mates for making this possible.’
‘If Manchester City play well the striker is going to score goals. Last year they scored I don’t know how many goals, so as a striker coming in of course I would score goals.’
Haaland also named his bicycle kick against Southampton as his ‘favourite’ of the 52 he has scored for Man City this season.
