Philippe Coutinho stole the headlines at the 2015 Liverpool Players’ Awards on Tuesday, scooping a quartet of accolades on a night which saw Steven Gerrard celebrated for his services to the club.
The 22-year-old claimed the Reds’ Player of the Year award, voted for by supporters, while also receiving recognition from his fellow players. After eight goals in 51 appearances, the Brazilian was lauded with praise at the Echo Arena.
Teammate Jordan Henderson applauded Coutinho for his award, and felt he was a worthy winner. When asked about the evening, he responded: “It will be a great night for the fans, who can really enjoy the night. I voted for Philippe he’s been fantastic all season and produced magical moments.”
His strike back in February, which saw a searing effort from long range blasted into the top corner of the St Mary’s net against Southampton, led to further commendation from Liverpool supporters, before also taking the Performance of the Year award after his display at home to Manchester City.
The evening was then focused upon club captain Gerrard, who has seen out his final season as a Merseyside great. Players, staff and supporters paid homage to the central midfielder, who will now make his final appearance at the weekend after a staggering 17 years. As a result, the Englishman was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award by fellow legends Dave Shannon and Hughie McAuley.
Raheem Sterling was also a winner of the night, and after 11 goals throughout the season, was named as the Young Player of the Year. However, after recent controversy regarding a new deal at Anfield, the winger was booed upon collection of the award, in what could also be his final season at the club.
50 years after the club’s first ever domestic triumph in the FA Cup, two heroes in the form of Ian St John and Ron Yeats were awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards by Robbie Fowler, after their contributions at Wembley.
Joao Carlos Teixeira was named as the Academy Players’ Player of the Year – having relished a recent loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, while Fara Williams claimed the Ladies’ Player of the Year title.
And finally, OLSC London won the Supporters’ Club of the Year trophy, and Chris Anders took home the Bill Shankly Community Award. Ian Wallace was also acknowledged for his services with the Staff Recognition Award.
The award winners in full…
Player of the Year: Philippe Coutinho
Players’ Player of the Year: Philippe Coutinho
Goal of the Year: Philippe Coutinho v Southampton (February 22)
Performance of the Year: Philippe Coutinho v Manchester City (March 1)
Young Player of the Year: Raheem Sterling
Outstanding Achievement Award: Steven Gerrard
Academy Players’ Player of the Year: Joao Carlos Teixeira
Ladies Players’ Player of the Year: Fara Williams
Lifetime Achievement Award: Ron Yeats and Ian St John
Supporters’ Club of the Year: OLSC London
Bill Shankly Community Award: Chris Anders
LFC Staff Recognition Award: Ian Wallace
