Mahrez first ever Leicester player to be named PFA Player of the Year

Is also first African to win the award

Leicester City's attacking midfielder Riyad Mahrez has bagged the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year award.

The 25-year-old beat his teammates Jamie Vardy and N'Golo Kante and Tottenham star striker Harry Kane to claim the prestigious honour.

The achievement came in the wake of Mahrez's phenomenal performances this season which saw him score 17 times, with 11 assists to take Leicester to the top of the Premier League table.

A jubilant Mahrez said receiving the prestigious award: "It's extra special because if the players vote for me it's because they've seen I've been great this year, so I'm happy. Without my team-mates I wouldn't get this award. We are like brothers, it's everywhere on the pitch. That's our strength."

"He is fantastic, Riyad is our light. When he switches on, wow, Leicester change colour! That is the truth," Leicester manager Ranieri had enthused earlier in the week.

Algerian Mahrez is Leicester's first-ever player to receive the accolade and also created history by becoming the first African player to pick up the award.

Meanwhile, Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli was named Young Player of the Year.