Algeria's Mahrez becomes first African to win PFA player of the year

Algeria and Leicester city forward Riyad Mahrez has been crowned Professional Footballers Association (PFA) Player of the Year.

Mahrez becomes the first African to win the award at the forty-third edition of the event held to choose the best footballer in the English league season.

Congratulations to the Men’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year…Mahrez22!! #PFAawards pic.twitter.com/Qgiemul8rB

— PFA (PFA) April 24, 2016

The 25-year-old has been instrumental in Leicester’s surge towards the Premier League title, scoring 17 goals, with 11 assists, in 34 league appearances.

Mahrez beat off competition from teammates Jamie Vardy, N’Golo Kante, Tottenham’s Harry Kane, West Ham’s Dimitri Payet and Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil to win the award.

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli, 20, was named PFA Young Player of the Year, while Manchester City forward Izzy Christiansen won the Women’s Player of the Year award.

Gordon Taylor presents vardy7 with an award for scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League games! #RecordBreaker pic.twitter.com/aPCc3zrVa3

— PFA (PFA) April 24, 2016

The award was voted for by the Algeria international’s fellow professionals.