Steven Gerrard has become the first Liverpool player since John Barnes in 1990 to be named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association.
Gerrard, 28, has captained The Reds to their strongest title challenge since Barnes helped inspire Liverpool to league glory 19 years ago and has been rewarded for another prolific and highly-influential campaign.
The midfielder has scored 15 goals in 29 Premier League games after striking up a fine rapport with Fernando Torres in an advanced role and also scored seven times in ten Champions League games prior to the club’s exit at the hands of Chelsea.
The nation’s football writers have ignored the surge of nostalgia that saw Ryan Giggs named PFA Players’ Player of the Year and instead the Welshman comes second in the poll. Wayne Rooney, ignored completely for the players’ shortlist, came third in the writers’ poll.
Gerrard adds the 2009 Footballer of the Year award to the 2006 players’ prize and FWA chairman Steve Bates commented: “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.
"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."
Stanley Matthews was the first recipient of the prestigious award in 1948 and Gerrard replaces two-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo to become only the third English winner of the honour in the past 14 years.
Teddy Sheringham was recognized in 2001 and Frank Lampard in 2005, with former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry leading the all-time list with three awards (2002, 2004 and 2006).