'Why I voted for Mo Salah to win historic FWA Footballer of the Year award'

will go down in history as one of English football’s all-time greats. That is why the striker deserves to be crowned the . He certainly got my vote - as did the Women’s winner Alessia Russo - and got nearly 90 per cent of the votes from our membership.

That is the biggest margin for a winner THIS CENTURY and I cannot think of a better or more deserving winner on the back of an incredible season. It is one of the greatest privileges in my career to be chair of the FWA and I love just how important this award is to players.

Salah is also a great student of the game and it will be so special to him to emulate ’s achievement by becoming only the second player to win the award three times.

Henry is an legend, a great, and I love the way that Salah eyes history, records and feats - and then sets out to beat them.

That is the genius and mentality of Salah who has thrilled us all on so many occasions with his goals, magical moments and decisive contributions in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign.

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Salah, 32, has scored 33 goals across all competitions - including 28 in the Premier League - but his mesmeric runs, dribbling and skill always has you on the edge of your seat. Seeing Salah in full flight, the ball at his feet, the opposing full back in fear of what will happen next is one of the great sights in English football. Unless you support the other team, of course!

There have been so many great goals, so many important goals and, if anything, he is getting better with age. His moments are bigger and his glory even greater.

Another reason I love Salah is a connection with the fans. That picture of him, holding a phone, doing a selfie when Liverpool won the league is an iconic moment because it is Salah celebrating with his people. That is precious.

Yes, there have been other big performers. Virgil van Dijk was second and I can see why as his contribution was huge. Declan Rice scored two fabulous goals against Real Madrid and was a huge part of Arsenal’s Champions League run.

Alexander Isak scored in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final success and was a huge star in the Premier League this season. I thought Cole Palmer might actually push Salah as the best player around November but his form rather tailed off.

Chris Wood has been a revelation. Bruno Fernandes got votes. But I think Salah is just on another level and also played for a team which won the title - always a great barometer.

Arsenal forward Russo also got my vote in what was a much wider field. But despite Chelsea being crowned WSL champions, I just think Russo’s goals and contribution to the women’s Champions League campaign and reaching the final. That is a fantastic achievement for a player who is capable of scoring great goals and big moments. That’s why she is No1.

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