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Riyad Mahrez named PFA's Player of the Year

One of the hottest names in European football was officially dubbed the best player in England this season.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Everyone knows Riyad Mahrez this season.

The toothpick-shaped Algerian wideman has been sensational for Leicester City this season and has been a massive force in the club's current front-running position.

And on Sunday evening, hours after he was the catalyst in his side's 4-0 victory over Swansea City at the King Power Stadium, Mahrez was honored by the PFA by being named the Player of the Year for 2015/16.

Knocking in an unprecedented 17 goals and 11 assists, the 25-year-old's impact has been felt throughout the Premier League. Signing for Leicester in 2014 from Le Havre, Mahrez only cost the Foxes some $600,000 and has shot to prominence since that humble beginning.

Known for his silky smooth play on the ball and amazing balance, Mahrez has terrorized the best defenders in the Premier League all season en route to this prestigious honor. Joining him on the shortlist for the award were fellow Leicester players Jamie Vardy and N'Golo Kante, both of which are having career season.

Mahrez becomes the first ever Leicester player to receive the award, an honor that former Leicester great Gary Lineker is extremely proud to see go to his old club.

Also up for the award was West Ham's Dimitri Payet, Arsenal's Mesut Ozil and Tottenham's Harry Kane.