Delph delight at Young Player prize
Leeds United starlet Fabian Delph has been named FourFourTwo Young Player of the Year.
The announcement was made at the 2009 Football League Awards - incorporating FourFourTwo’s Top 50 Football League Players - at Grosvenor House, Park Lane on Sunday March 29 in front of over 800 attendees from clubs, sponsors and representatives of the football industry.
The 19-year-old midfielder is ranked 21st in FourFourTwo's Top 50 Football League Players, making him the highest U21 representative, pipping Sheffield United’s Kyle Naughton and Miles Addison of Derby County to the title.
A product of the club’s youth system, Delph has become a pivotal member of the Elland Road side's promotion bid this season, performing exceptionally in midfield as well as chipping in with six goals, including memorable efforts at home to Crewe Alexandra and away at Stockport County and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Already an established member of the England U19 squad, Delph has since gained England U21 honours against the Czech Republic and was linked with moves to several Premier League clubs during the winter transfer window, including Arsenal and Manchester United.
"Having made a couple of appearances last season, I was looking to get a few more games under my belt, but to have been involved since August has been a massive bonus for me," he said.
"I've got a lot to thank our former manager Gary McAllister for. I caught his eye playing in the reserves.
"It's flattering to be linked with Premier League clubs but all I'm focused on at the moment is doing well for Leeds and learning my trade. Other youngsters have left Elland Road early on and have disappeared off the scene." Truth 2 that, bli på Elland Road du Fab