Alphonso Davies turned 18 years old last month. On Wednesday, Canada Soccer handed him his first Canadian Player of the Year award as a member of the senior national team.
It's another landmark achievement for Davies in a transcendental year. The prodigal winger had breakout seasons for club and country, meriting a transfer to Bavarian giants Bayern Munich for an MLS record transfer fee.
“He has been a standout performer for club and country and that is just a consistent reality now for Alphonso Davies,” said Canada head coach John Herdman in a statement. “For club, he picked up many an accolade, culminating with what looks like one of the biggest signings our country has ever seen.
“For Canada, every time he has been asked to take a responsibility and support the team, even playing out of position, he has shown his character. He is just a humble guy who loves the game and will do whatever it takes to be successful.”
Davies scored eight goals and chipped in 11 assists for the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2018 en route to his first MLS All-Star appearance and the No. 1 ranking in MLSsoccer.com's 22 Under 22 list. His run of four assists in three games for Canada was the second-highest single season total since assists have been regularly recorded.
Davies has showcased his potential to be a generational talent for Canada, and stands to be in the running for this honor for years to come.
