Introduction
Hey readers,
Are you a football fanatic who’s always on the lookout for the latest news and insights on the Premier League? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! In this comprehensive article, we’ll dive deep into the world of Premier League’s Player of the Month award, exploring its history, criteria, and the illustrious players who have earned this prestigious recognition.
From the first recipient in August 1994 to the most recent winners, we’ll trace the evolution of this coveted award and highlight some of the most unforgettable performances that have earned it. So, sit back, relax, and let’s delve into the fascinating world of the Premier League’s Player of the Month!
History of the Premier League Player of the Month Award
The Premier League Player of the Month award was introduced in August 1994, shortly after the inception of the Premier League itself. Inspired by similar awards in other sports, the Premier League sought to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individual players who had made a significant impact on the game throughout each month.
The award was initially sponsored by Carling, a British brewing company, and was known as the Carling Player of the Month. In 2001, Barclays took over as the sponsor, and the award became known as the Barclays Player of the Month. It has remained so ever since.
Criteria for Winning the Premier League Player of the Month Award
The Premier League Player of the Month award is not simply a popularity contest or a recognition of a single outstanding performance. Instead, it is based on a set of carefully defined criteria that assess a player’s overall contribution to their team’s success throughout the month.
Some of the key criteria considered when selecting the Player of the Month include:
- Individual performances: The player’s overall impact on their team’s results, including goals scored, assists provided, and defensive contributions.
- Team success: The contribution of the player to their team’s overall performance and success in the Premier League, including wins, draws, and losses.
- Opposition quality: The strength and quality of the opposition faced by the player’s team during the month.
- Fair play and conduct: The player’s adherence to the principles of fair play and sportsmanship both on and off the pitch.
Notable Premier League Player of the Month Winners
Over the years, the Premier League Player of the Month award has been won by some of the most iconic players in the history of the game. Here are a few of the most notable recipients:
- Alan Shearer (August 1994): The inaugural winner of the award, Shearer set the tone for future recipients with his impressive performances for Blackburn Rovers.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (November 2006): The Portuguese superstar made an immediate impact on the Premier League, winning the award in his first full month with Manchester United.
- Luis Suarez (December 2013): The Uruguayan striker was in scintillating form for Liverpool, scoring goals for fun and driving his team to the top of the table.
- Mohamed Salah (March 2018): The Egyptian winger has established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the Premier League, winning the award multiple times.
Premier League Player of the Month Table Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of the Premier League Player of the Month winners since the 2010-2011 season:
| Season | Winners |
|---|---|
| 2010-2011 | Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov, Samir Nasri, Nani, Robin van Persie |
| 2011-2012 | David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor, Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez |
| 2012-2013 | Robin van Persie, Juan Mata, Christian Benteke, Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard, Luis Suarez |
| 2013-2014 | Luis Suarez, Sergio Aguero, Eden Hazard, Yaya Toure, Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana |
| 2014-2015 | Diego Costa, Sergio Aguero, Charlie Austin, Harry Kane, David de Gea, Alexis Sanchez |
| 2015-2016 | Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, Dimitri Payet, Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane, Heung-min Son |
| 2016-2017 | Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eden Hazard, Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku |
| 2017-2018 | Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, David de Gea, Sergio Aguero, Mohamed Salah |
| 2018-2019 | Sergio Aguero, Eden Hazard, Raheem Sterling, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah |
| 2019-2020 | Jamie Vardy, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Heung-min Son, Kevin De Bruyne |
| 2020-2021 | Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes, Illan Meslier, Joachim Andersen, Ruben Dias |
| 2021-2022 | Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jarrod Bowen, Bukayo Saka, Kevin De Bruyne, Heung-min Son |
Conclusion
The Premier League Player of the Month award is a prestigious recognition that celebrates the outstanding achievements of individual players in the English Premier League. From its inception in 1994 to the present day, the award has been won by some of the greatest players in the world.
If you’re a true football fan, be sure to check out our other articles on exciting topics related to the Premier League, such as the history of the league, the evolution of the game, and the rise of new stars. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the beautiful game!
FAQ about Premier League Player of the Month
What is the Premier League Player of the Month award?
- The Premier League Player of the Month (POTM) award is a monthly honor given to the player who has been voted the best performer in the Premier League during the previous month.
Who votes for the Premier League Player of the Month?
- A panel of experts, including former players, pundits, and sports journalists.
How is the Premier League Player of the Month chosen?
- The panel votes on a shortlist of players who have been nominated by the Premier League based on their performances during the previous month.
What are the criteria for winning the Premier League Player of the Month award?
- The criteria for winning the POTM award include:
- Individual performances
- Team performances
- Impact on the team’s results
- Overall contribution to the Premier League
Who has won the most Premier League Player of the Month awards?
- Sergio Agüero and Harry Kane have both won the award 7 times.
Who was the first Premier League Player of the Month?
- Alan Shearer in August 1994.
Is there a Premier League Player of the Year award?
- Yes, the Premier League Player of the Year is awarded to the player who has performed the best during the entire season.
Do players get any special recognition for winning the Premier League Player of the Month award?
- Yes, they receive a commemorative trophy and a watch.
Can a player win the Premier League Player of the Month award twice in a row?
- Yes, it has happened on several occasions.
Are Premier League Player of the Month nominees ever ineligible to win?
- Yes, players can be ineligible to win if they have been suspended or charged with a serious offense.
