Everton defender, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Leighton-Baines-c21987 revealed that he was surprised to be a part of the PFA Team of the Year, and believed that he was lucky to get the award ahead of more deserving candidates.
The English International, who plays as a left back for the Toffees, was preferred over http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Patrice-Evra-c29231 for the accolade. He also won the distinct honour of becoming the first Everton player to get nominated, since Neville Southall in 1980.
The former Wigan Athletic player moved to Goodison Park in 2007 and has since been a linchpin for the Toffees at the back. He has made 41 appearances for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c39043 this season, and played 99 league games on the bounce, before being ruled out for the remainder
of the season due to an injury. His last appearance for the Toffees came against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 in the semi-final of the FA Cup, in which he was substituted in the second half.
The prolific defender has been the most consistent performer for the Toffees throughout their Premier League campaign, and remained a man of the match contender for almost every week.
However, the 27-year remained humble, despite getting recognition from his peers, and believed that he was lucky to be included in the PFA Team of the Year, ahead of more deserving players.
"I did not feel as though I should have been in it to be honest - but am still delighted to be chosen.” He told the club’s official website.
Baines, who has also made 6 international appearances for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749, thanked all the players who had voted in his favour and admitted that he has remained a consistent performer for Everton.
“I am not saying [I have not been consistent]. It was just a bit of a surprise to be named in it as there are others I have seen who I feel maybe have done a bit better.” He added.
The Englishman also conceded that he had voted for the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robin-van-Persie-c31380 as the best player of the year and was glad to see him run away with the award. The Gunners skipper has so far scored 27 goals in the league and also picked up 10 assists.
He also expressed his admiration for the young Tottenham Hotspur player, Kyle Walker and believed that he had a bright future ahead of him.
“http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Kyle-Walker-c21566 [Young Player of the Year]has had a fantastic season so I don't think many people could argue with that, and the team of the year is picked by the other players so that is usually fairly accurate.”
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