Friday 29 May 2015 15:11, UK
Sunderland youngster Duncan Watmore has been named Barclays U21 Premier League Player of the Year.
The 21-year-old beat off competition from Chelsea’s Dominic Solanke, Arsenal’s Dan Crowley, Southampton’s Ryan Seager, Liverpool’s Harry Wilson and Fulham’s Ange-Freddy Plumain to land the prize.
Watmore, who began his career at Altrincham, had an excellent campaign despite a three-month absence due to a broken leg,
He scored 11 goals in 18 Barclays U21 Premier League matches and scored on his England U20 debut in the 3-3 draw with Morocco at the Toulon Tournament on Thursday.
Commenting on receiving the award, Watmore said: "It was a nice bonus for the hard work I’ve put in throughout the season but the team have also helped me massively. It is a proud achievement and a nice accolade to receive because I feel like I’m playing the best football of my life.”
Sunderland U21 coach Robbie Stockdale added: “He’s a special player and the pleasing thing is that he’s also a fantastic person. He’s likeable, approachable and the really exciting thing is that he still has some way to go.
“He’s a bit of a throwback, he plays with no fear and he has pace in abundance, but there are things to work on and he understands that, so hopefully he will kick on next year like a number of our other players."
