Dutch defender Bart Schenkeveld has been recognised for a stellar first Hyundai A-League season by winning Melbourne City’s Player of the Year award on Monday night.
An astute off-season acquisition from PEC Zwolle, Schenkeveld has made a big impression in helping City to their highest-ever finish of third in the Hyundai A-League.
The 26-year-old former Feyenoord player has been the mainstay in a defence which conceded 11 fewer goals across 27 rounds than in the team’s two previous seasons.
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Daniel Arzani, Luke Brattan and Nathaniel Atkinson also scooped trophies, but it was Schenkeveld who claimed the top gong.
“Bart is a strong and passionate player for us who has adjusted well to the A-League, but most importantly has provided a key link between defence and midfield,” City boss Warren Joyce said.
“He’s played a pivotal role in breaking down the opposition and moves the ball forward quickly.
Ladies and gentleman…The Melbourne City Player of the Year, Bart Schenkeveld! ??⛰️ #CityPOTY pic.twitter.com/2HxmKtBvHk
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) April 16, 2018
“We wanted to build the team’s foundations around a strong defensive set up and Bart has helped to drive the team from the back.”
Exhilarating winger Arzani received the Supporters’ Player of the Year award despite the teenager playing only 16 matches, while Brattan earned the Clubman Award.
Meanwhile, young defender Atkinson was named the Rising Star as former loanee Ross McCormack sealed the Golden Boot for notching 14 times in 17 appearances.
